LSU’s newest coach made quite an entrance into the Purple and Gold family as Tangipahoa native Kim Mulkey showcased her fiery personality to the Tiger faithful gathered at the PMAC Monday. After more than two decades as head coach at Baylor, Mulkey is the ultimate catch to coach women’s basketball.
“Can you believe there’s only one institution I would have left for and they made the commitment and I’m home,” said Mulkey.
58-year-old Mulkey, the most successful player-turned coach in college basketball history with three national championships as head coach, recognized the current women’s basketball team and then pointed out banners hanging from the ceiling.
“Final Four, Final Four, Final Four, Final Four nowhere on there does it say National Champion. That’s what I came here to do,” Mulkey told the cheering crowd.
As the school remains embroiled in a Title IX scandal, Mulkey recognized the elephant in the room and promised to make a difference on and off the court.
“I didn’t just come here to win championships, I came here to make an impact at the right time at an institution that’s needs something really positive,” said Mulkey.
The Tickfaw native thanked those involved in bringing her back home to coach at LSU and became emotional at times recognizing fellow coaches who made a personal impact on her life.