Baton Rouge, Louisiana— In a historic moment for women’s college basketball, LSU Tigers Head Coach Kim Mulkey broke Dawn Staley’s SEC wins record, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches.
The historic triumph came in front of a sold-out PMAC (Pete Maravich Assembly Center) crowd, as the LSU Tigers outperformed a bitter SEC opponent. Mulkey’s victory broke Dawn Staley’s record of 180 SEC victories, earning her the new all-time conference wins leader.
For many, this milestone is more than just a statistic; it is a celebration of two remarkable women who have altered the course of women’s basketball in America. Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, has set the bar over the last decade with a phenomenal run of SEC championships, Final Four appearances, and national championship wins. Mulkey, whose resume already includes many national championships and Olympic credentials, has now reached the summit of that mountain.
“To be mentioned in the same sentence as Dawn Staley is an honor in and of itself,” Mulkey stated during her postgame statements. “She is a ferocious competitor, a visionary for our sport, and someone I have long admired. Breaking her record is humbling, and I share this experience with every player who has ever worn the purple and gold shirt.
Kim Mulkey’s rise to the top of the SEC started when she left Baylor to return to her home state of Louisiana. In just a few seasons, she converted LSU into a national powerhouse, leading the team to a national championship in 2023 and raising expectations each year thereafter. Her distinctive energy, aggressive courtside approach, and undying belief in her players have become synonymous with LSU basketball.
Dawn Staley took to social media to celebrate her longtime adversary and friend.
“Records are meant to be broken, and I’m delighted it was a rival like Kim. Congratulations, Coach Mulkey and the LSU family. “Keep pushing women’s basketball to new heights.”
Mulkey’s impact extends beyond the hardwood. She has become a mentor to aspiring female coaches, a symbol of Southern grit and perseverance, and a vocal, enthusiastic supporter of women’s sports. Mulkey’s coaching tree is still flourishing, with prominent talents like Angel Reese tutoring future WNBA aspirants.
The LSU fan base reacted in full force. Social media was flooded with tributes, a commemorative video played in the arena, and spectators held up placards proclaiming “GOAT STATUS: ACHIEVED.” One young girl in the crowd sported a homemade jersey that said, “Coach Kim Broke the Record, and I’m Next.”
Mulkey stood on the sideline, emotional and proud, surrounded by the crew who helped make history. While records may come and go, Kim Mulkey’s impact on the SEC—and on generations of female athletes—will last forever.
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