Kim Mulkey has been coaching women’s college basketball at a high level since taking over at Baylor in 2000. Since then, her teams have never won fewer than 21 games in a season, and only once in that stretch has she missed the NCAA Tournament.
Now the head coach at LSU, Mulkey has won four NCAA Tournament titles — three with Baylor (2005, 2012, 2019) and one with LSU (2023). Her Tigers have also reached the Elite Eight in the last two seasons.
Mulkey understands better than most how tough it is to win it all. She recently sat down with Jacques Doucet of WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge and discussed UConn’s most recent national title — and head coach Geno Auriemma.
“Geno Auriemma just won another one; five years ago they said he’s washed up and needs to retire,” Mulkey said. “And it was nine years from his last championship until the one this year. You just don’t spit ’em out.
“Geno Auriemma just won another one. Five years ago they said he’s washed up and needs to retire.”
@LSUwbkb@Komultkey on how hard it is to win national championships.
“Everything has to go perfect.”
Full interview – https://t.co/dQSEci8LK6#LSU@Wafbpic.twitter.com/B4e8G53tzV
– Jacques Doucet (@jacquesdoucet) May 1, 2025
“It is so hard to win championships. Everything has to go perfect, from injuries to everyone playing good. And you just never know if you’re gonna win one. And you certainly never know if you’re gonna win more than one. So, I have been blessed.”
Mulkey is already focused on preparing her team for the 2025-26 season. She’s made some noise in the transfer portal, bringing in a handful of players who should make an immediate impact.
MiLaysia Fulwiley is the latest addition, transferring in from South Carolina. She brings speed and creativity to LSU’s backcourt.
Amiya Joyner, a proven scorer out of East Carolina, is another solid pickup. She’ll step up in competition now as she joins the SEC.
And then there’s Kate Koval. The 6-foot-5 forward from Ukraine spent last season at Notre Dame, where she played in 32 games and averaged 5.3 points per contest.
Of course, the Tigers are also dealing with some key departures. Sa’Myah Smith, Jersey Wolfenbarger and Aalyah Del Rosario have all moved on from Baton Rouge. Smith announced last month she’s transferring to Virginia. Wolfenbarger is headed to Tennessee, while Del Rosario is staying in the SEC as well — she’s committed to Vanderbilt.
Mulkey will need to adjust, but she’s done that before, and with plenty of success.
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