Kim Mulkey

Kim Mulkey. An American college basketball coach and former player, she is the head coach of the LSU Lady Tigers. Renowned for her competitive intensity and strategic acumen, she has built a legendary career, winning multiple national championships as both a player and a coach. She is the first person in NCAA history to win a national title as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach.

Early life and playing career

Born in Santa Ana, California, she grew up in Tickfaw, Louisiana where she was a multi-sport star at Hammond High Magnet School. She accepted a scholarship to play for the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters under legendary coach Leon Barmore. As a dynamic point guard, she helped lead the program to tremendous success, including the inaugural NCAA women's basketball championship in 1982. She was a two-time All-American and won a gold medal with the United States national team at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her collegiate career culminated with the Wade Trophy in 1984, recognizing her as the nation's top player.

Coaching career

Her coaching career began as an assistant under Barmore at her alma mater, Louisiana Tech University, contributing to the Lady Techsters' 1988 national title. In 2000, she was hired as the head coach at Baylor University, taking over a struggling program. She rapidly transformed the Baylor Lady Bears into a national powerhouse, highlighted by perfect 40–0 seasons in 2012 and 2019. She led Baylor to three national championships (2005, 2012, 2019), defeating powerhouses like Michigan State, Notre Dame, and UConn. After 21 seasons at Baylor, she shocked the sports world in 2021 by accepting the head coaching position at Louisiana State University. She quickly revitalized the LSU Lady Tigers, winning the 2023 national championship by defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes and superstar Caitlin Clark.

Head coaching records

Her overall head coaching record reflects consistent excellence and program-building success. At Baylor University, she compiled a remarkable 632–104 record, achieving a .859 winning percentage and capturing 12 Big 12 Conference regular season titles. Her tenure at Louisiana State University began with immediate impact, leading the Tigers to the 2023 national title in just her second season. Combined, her career victories place her among the winningest coaches in the history of women's college basketball, with a winning percentage that ranks at the very top of the sport.

Personal life

She is the mother of two children, Kramer and Makenzie, with her former husband, Randy Robertson. Her son, Kramer Robertson, was a standout baseball player for the LSU Tigers baseball team and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Known for her flamboyant and meticulously coordinated sideline outfits, she has become an iconic figure in the sport. She has been outspoken on issues within women's basketball, advocating for greater respect and visibility for the game, and has authored a book detailing her life and coaching philosophy.

Legacy and honors

Her legacy is that of a transformative figure in women's basketball. She is enshrined in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. A recipient of multiple Naismith College Coach of the Year and Associated Press College Basketball Coach of the Year awards, she is celebrated for developing elite talent, including players like Brittney Griner and Angel Reese. Her move to Louisiana State University and subsequent national championship cemented her status as one of the greatest coaches of all time, having achieved the pinnacle of success in the Southeastern Conference and the Big 12 Conference.

Category:American women's basketball players Category:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Category:LSU Tigers women's basketball coaches