Ever heard of a coach who’s won four national championships and still makes headlines for fighting with newspapers? That’s Kim Mulkey. She’s one of the biggest names in women’s college basketball, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind.
Kim Mulkey is the head coach of the LSU Lady Tigers women’s basketball team. But she’s way more than just a coach. She’s a winner, a fighter, and someone who doesn’t back down from anyone. Whether you love her or can’t stand her, you definitely can’t ignore her.
Who Is Kim Mulkey?
Kim Mulkey is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA women’s basketball history. She’s won championships at two different schools. She’s been in the Hall of Fame twice. And she’s probably given more fiery press conferences than anyone else in the sport.
But here’s the thing — she’s also super controversial. Some people think she’s brilliant. Others think she’s too harsh. The media loves writing about her, and she loves fighting back. That’s what makes her such a big deal in American sports.
If you follow March Madness or women’s basketball at all, you’ve probably seen her on the sidelines. She’s the one with the bold outfits and the intense expressions. And she’s built winning programs everywhere she’s been.
Early Life and Background
Kim Mulkey was born on May 17, 1962, in Santa Ana, California. But she didn’t stay there long. Her family moved to Louisiana when she was young, and that’s where she really grew up.
Louisiana became her home. She fell in love with basketball early on. And growing up in the South shaped her personality — tough, competitive, and direct. Those traits would define her entire career.
Her family wasn’t rich or famous. But they taught her to work hard and never quit. That mentality stuck with her. And it’s probably why she pushes her players so hard today.
Playing Career at Louisiana Tech and Team USA
Before Kim Mulkey became a coach, she was an incredible player. She played college basketball at Louisiana Tech, where she was an All-American point guard. That means she was one of the best players in the entire country.
In 1982, her Louisiana Tech team won the NCAA national championship. So yeah, she’s been winning titles since day one. But that wasn’t all. She also represented the United States on the international stage.
Kim Mulkey won a gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games. Then she did it again at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Playing in the Olympics is a huge deal, and winning gold is even bigger. These accomplishments put her on the map as a basketball legend way before she ever started coaching.
From Assistant to Head Coach — The Louisiana Tech Years
After her playing days ended, Kim Mulkey didn’t leave basketball. Instead, she became an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech in 1985. She stayed there for 15 years, learning the coaching game from the inside.
During that time, Louisiana Tech had a record of 430-68. That’s seriously good. In 1988, her team won another NCAA championship, and this time she was on the coaching staff. She was learning how to build winning programs.
Those years as an assistant coach were crucial. They taught her recruiting, strategy, and how to manage players. And they prepared her for what came next — becoming a head coach.
Building a Powerhouse at Baylor
In 2000, Kim Mulkey took over as head coach at Baylor University. The program was struggling. No one thought it would become a powerhouse. But Mulkey had other plans.
She turned Baylor into one of the best teams in the country. She won three NCAA national championships — in 2005, 2012, and 2019. The 2012 season was historic. Her team went 40-0, a perfect season. That’s incredibly rare in college basketball.
During her time at Baylor, she coached future WNBA stars like Brittney Griner. She brought in top recruits. She won big games on national TV. And she made Baylor a must-watch team during March Madness. Her coaching record at Baylor spoke for itself — she was building dynasties.
The LSU Era — Rebuilding and Winning Again
In 2021, Kim Mulkey left Baylor and took the head coaching job at LSU. People were shocked. Why would she leave a successful program? But Mulkey is from Louisiana. LSU felt like home.
She wasted no time. In just her second season at LSU, she won the 2023 NCAA national championship. Her team beat Iowa in the title game, and that game featured Caitlin Clark, one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball. The win was massive, and it proved Mulkey could win anywhere.
LSU fans love her. She’s brought energy, talent, and championships back to Baton Rouge. And she’s made LSU women’s basketball a major story in the SEC and across the country.
Records, Milestones, and Hall of Fame Honors
Kim Mulkey’s résumé is ridiculous. She’s the first person in NCAA basketball history — men’s or women’s — to win national championships as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. That’s a record no one else has.
She’s also racked up over 650 career wins as a head coach. She’s won AP National Coach of the Year multiple times. And she’s been inducted into not one but two Hall of Fames — the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
These honors prove she’s one of the all-time greats. But her legacy isn’t just about trophies. It’s about how she changed programs and pushed women’s basketball into the spotlight.
Public Image, Media Clashes, and Controversies
Here’s where things get messy. Kim Mulkey has a reputation as an old-school, no-nonsense coach. She demands a lot from her players. And she doesn’t take criticism well.
In 2024, she went after the Washington Post before they even published a profile about her. She called the reporter “sleazy” and threatened to sue for defamation. That made national news. Later, she blasted an LA Times columnist for writing something she felt was sexist toward her LSU players.
Some people see her as a fierce protector of her team. Others think she’s too defensive and can’t handle honest journalism. Either way, her media battles keep her in the headlines. And they’ve made her one of the most talked-about figures in sports.
Why Kim Mulkey Still Dominates the Conversation
So why does everyone keep talking about Kim Mulkey? Simple. She wins. A lot. Her teams are always in the mix during March Madness. Her coaching record speaks for itself.
But it’s not just the wins. It’s her personality. She gives memorable press conferences. She wears bold, flashy outfits on the sidelines. She’s not boring. And in today’s media world, that matters.
Plus, her ongoing battles with the press and her strong opinions keep her relevant. Whether she’s threatening lawsuits or defending her players, she’s always making news. And that’s why she’s still one of the biggest names in women’s basketball.
Conclusion
Kim Mulkey is a winner, plain and simple. She’s won championships as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. She’s in the Hall of Fame — twice. And she’s turned struggling programs into national powerhouses at both Baylor and LSU.
But she’s also controversial. Her battles with the media, her tough coaching style, and her strong personality make her a polarizing figure. Some love her. Some don’t. But everyone respects what she’s accomplished.
If you’re a fan of women’s basketball, you need to know who Kim Mulkey is. She’s shaped the sport for decades, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Want to learn more about women’s basketball legends? Check out our other articles on the greatest coaches and players in NCAA history!
