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, and Unmatched Impact on Women’s Hoops That Cements Her Status as the Undisputed GOAT in Baton Rouge
In a historic and emotional ceremony that captivated fans and sent ripples through the sports world, Louisiana State University (LSU) unveiled a bronze statue of Kim Mulkey, the fierce and flamboyant head coach of the LSU women’s basketball team. With this grand tribute, Mulkey becomes the first woman in the university’s basketball history—men’s or women’s—to receive such an honor, cementing her place not just in LSU lore but in the broader pantheon of college basketball greatness.
The statue, which now proudly stands outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, captures Mulkey in her trademark courtside intensity: jaw set, arms mid-motion in command, and her iconic heels firmly planted on the sideline—an image that has come to symbolize dominance, determination, and destiny fulfilled. The unveiling ceremony, attended by thousands of LSU faithful, including former players, alumni, and fans dressed in purple and gold, was a moment of celebration and reflection, acknowledging Mulkey’s seismic impact on women’s basketball and her unprecedented achievements at the collegiate level.
When Kim Mulkey arrived at LSU in 2021, few could have predicted how swiftly she would reshape the program’s identity and elevate it into a national powerhouse. Yet, in just her second season, Mulkey led the Lady Tigers to a national championship in 2023, their first in program history. That title run was not merely a victory—it was a statement. A statement that LSU women’s basketball was not just relevant, but dominant. A statement that Mulkey, already a legend from her Baylor tenure, was far from finished.
Mulkey’s journey from star player to coaching titan is one of defiance, resilience, and brilliance. A former All-American point guard and Olympic gold medalist, Mulkey has always played and coached with an unmatched fire. Her coaching career began at Baylor University, where she transformed a struggling program into a national juggernaut, winning three NCAA championships during her 21-year tenure. But her return to her home state of Louisiana to coach LSU was personal—a mission rooted in pride, family, and unfinished business.
The statue does more than commemorate wins; it honors Mulkey’s transformative leadership. Known for her unapologetic passion, flashy sideline outfits, and blunt honesty, she has never conformed to expectations. And in doing so, she’s shattered barriers—redefining what it means to be a female coach in a male-dominated landscape. She’s mentored countless young women, instilling in them the values of toughness, accountability, and ambition. Her legacy is not only measured in trophies but in lives changed and doors opened.
The decision to immortalize her in bronze is a testament to her multidimensional impact. “This is more than a statue,” LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said at the ceremony. “It’s a symbol of excellence. Of leadership. Of a woman who didn’t just win—she inspired, she built, and she redefined greatness. Kim Mulkey didn’t just coach a team. She built a culture.”
Former players shared emotional tributes, recounting stories of tough love, tireless preparation, and unexpected moments of mentorship that defined their time under Mulkey’s tutelage. Star forward Angel Reese, one of the pivotal figures in the 2023 title run, called Mulkey “a mother figure, a motivator, and the fiercest competitor I’ve ever known.”
Beyond the court, Mulkey’s influence has helped propel women’s basketball into mainstream prominence. LSU’s 2023 championship game against Iowa shattered television viewership records, drawing over 9 million viewers and sparking national conversations about equity, talent, and visibility in women’s sports. Mulkey has leveraged her platform to demand better facilities, pay, and respect for women athletes, making her a key figure in the broader movement toward gender equality in sports.
Still, true to form, Mulkey used her acceptance speech to deflect praise and redirect attention to her players and staff. “Statues don’t win games,” she said with her trademark flair. “People do. Players do. And I’ve been blessed to coach the best of the best. This isn’t about me—it’s about what we’ve built here at LSU. And we’re not done yet.”
The roar from the crowd suggested otherwise. For LSU fans, the statue is a long-overdue recognition of a figure who has not only brought glory but galvanized a state. For the sport of women’s basketball, it is another signpost that the game—and its heroes—are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Kim Mulkey’s statue will now stand alongside LSU’s most iconic monuments, a daily reminder to every young girl walking by that greatness knows no gender, and that legacies aren’t inherited—they’re earned, with grit, grace, and a touch of glitter.