- LSU Shocks the Sports World as Kim Mulkey Becomes First Woman in Tigers Basketball History to Be Immortalized With a Bronze Statue—A Monumental Tribute to the Trailblazing Coach’s Championship Legacy, Fiery Leadership, an
In a historic move that’s sent shockwaves throughout the collegiate sports world, LSU and Louisiana Tech have cemented Kim Mulkey’s legacy with a bronze statue—making her the first woman in LSU Tigers basketball history to receive such a monumental tribute. Unveiled at Louisiana Tech’s Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza in Ruston, La., the statue celebrates a career that has shattered expectations, trodden through trailblazing achievement, and redefined leadership on and off the court.
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From Humble Beginnings to a Legacy of Dominance
Born in 1962, Kim Mulkey’s basketball journey began in Tickfaw, Louisiana, and blossomed at Hammond High School, where she led the squad to four consecutive state titles and amassed over 4,000 points, earning all-state and All-America honors each year. She even graduated as valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
At Louisiana Tech, Mulkey emerged as a force on the court. As a French-braided, 5’4″ point guard, she steered the Lady Techsters to a staggering 130–6 record from 1980 to 1984, securing two national championships in 1981 (AIAW) and 1982 (inaugural NCAA tournament). She also collected a gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games and another at the 1984 Olympics.
Her career didn’t slow after her playing days ended. Mulkey transitioned into coaching, spending 15 seasons at Louisiana Tech as an assistant or associate head coach. During this tenure, she boasted a 430–68 record and helped guide the team to seven Final Fours, including the 1988 national championship.
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A Trailblazing Coaching Dynasty
Mulkey’s coaching career continued to flourish at Baylor University, where she became head coach in 2000. Over 21 seasons, she built a dynasty—amassing a 632–104 record, guiding Baylor to three national championships (2005, 2012, 2019), and launching four Final Four runs.
In 2021, she accepted the challenge of reviving LSU’s women’s basketball program. Boasting a fiery leadership style and uncompromising determination, she transformed the Tigers into national contenders almost immediately. In her second season, she guided LSU to a historic 34–2 season capped by their first-ever NCAA women’s title, with a decisive 102–85 victory over Iowa.
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Bronze Tribute: Cementing Her Place in History
The bronze statue unveiled at Louisiana Tech is more than a likeness—it’s a powerful symbol. Standing tall amid other sports legends such as NFL icons Terry Bradshaw, Fred Dean, Willie Roaf, NBA great Karl Malone, and WNBA star Teresa Weatherspoon, Mulkey’s statue marks a watershed moment: she is the only female athlete or coach among them.
Plaza spokespersons noted the statue honors not just her statistical accolades but her fiery leadership, championship pedigree, and the barrier-crossing significance of her career. It immortalizes “a trailblazing coach’s championship legacy, fiery leadership, and transformative impact on LSU and beyond.”
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Historic Firsts and Unmatched Versatility
Mulkey’s accomplishments defy easy categorization. She is the only person in college basketball history—male or female—to win national championships as:
Player (AIAW 1981, NCAA 1982),
Assistant coach (Louisiana Tech, 1988),
And head coach at two institutions (Baylor’s three titles and LSU’s 2023 championship).
She participated in every NCAA women’s tournament since its inception in 1982—except for two seasons—and has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2020.
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Fiery Leadership and Cultural Influence
Mulkey’s leadership style is legendary—intense, outspoken, and fiercely competitive. She demands excellence from her programs, instills a championship mindset, and has become a cultural figure in sports. The statue reflects not only her on-court genius but the mentor, motivator, and trailblazer she’s become. As ESPN noted, “560‑74 record as player and coach, 11 Final Fours, 3× national champion … forever a Lady Techster.”
Her impact extends beyond the basketball court. She inspires countless young women to pursue leadership and athletic success, proving that determination and excellence know no gender.
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The Monumental Moment
Wednesday night’s unveiling in Ruston was a spectacle: a soaring testament to Mulkey’s storied life in basketball. The plaza glowing under the evening lights, the emotionally charged speeches, the crowd’s thunderous applause—it was a testament to a life spent elevating the game.
The bronze figure captures her iconic coaching stance—ball in hand, alert, poised. It’s a freeze-frame of a relentless competitive spirit. Her legendary French braids, signature fire, and unwavering gaze