Breaking news: Kim Mulkey, head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, was honored as the Associated Press (AP) Coach of the Year on March 31, 2022.

Breaking news: Kim Mulkey, head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, was honored as the Associated Press (AP) Coach of the Year on March 31, 2022.

This marks her third time receiving the award, placing her alongside coaching legends Geno Auriemma and Muffet McGraw.

 

Mulkey’s inaugural season at LSU was remarkable, leading the team to 26 victories—a 17-win improvement from the previous season. The Tigers achieved a 13-3 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), securing notable wins over Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Their impressive performance elevated them to No. 6 in the AP poll, and they hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Although their tournament run concluded with a second-round loss to Ohio State, the season was a significant success for the program.

 

During the award ceremony, Mulkey became emotional when discussing her family, who remained in Texas during her transition to LSU. She expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her coaching staff and players, acknowledging their roles in the team’s achievements. Mulkey emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals, drawing parallels between her first seasons at LSU and Baylor, where she also orchestrated a significant turnaround.

 

Mulkey’s coaching career is distinguished by three national championships during her 21-year tenure at Baylor and her 2020 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Her return to her home state of Louisiana to coach LSU has already yielded significant success, underscoring her exceptional coaching abilities and dedication to the sport.