Kim Mulkey is a distinguished American college basketball coach and former player, renowned for her exceptional achievements both on the court and as a coach. Born on May 17, 1962, in Santa Ana, California, she was raised in Tickfaw, Louisiana. Mulkey’s basketball journey began as an All-American point guard at Louisiana Tech University, where she secured two national championships as a player in 1981 and 1982. She also earned the inaugural Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award in 1984, given to the top college senior under 5’6″.
Transitioning to coaching, Mulkey served as an assistant and associate head coach at Louisiana Tech from 1985 to 2000, contributing to the team’s 1988 NCAA championship. In 2000, she became the head coach at Baylor University, transforming the program by leading them to three NCAA championships in 2005, 2012, and 2019, including a perfect 40-0 season in 2012.
In 2021, Mulkey took the helm at Louisiana State University (LSU). In her second season, she guided the Tigers to the NCAA national championship, marking her fourth as a head coach. This achievement made her the first coach in NCAA history to win national championships as a player, assistant coach, and head coach.
Beyond her championships, Mulkey has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year honors from the Associated Press and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
Known for her dynamic coaching style and vibrant personality, Mulkey continues to influence women’s basketball, inspiring players and coaches alike.