Louisiana State University Coach Kim Mulkey made college basketball coach history this Thursday when the LSU lady Tigers beat the Virginia Tech Hoakies (82-64).
According to the NCAA, the game marked Muley’s 700th win. She reached that milestone faster than any coach – in both men’s and women’s basketball – ever.
“After a slow start, LSU improved its 27-percent FG in the first quarter to finish 50 percent from the field overall,” said the NCAA. “The Tigers fought hard down low as they out-rebounded the Hokies 43-29 and scored 32 points in the paint. LSU had 9 steals and 15 assists as an entire team effort boosted a comeback from dropping the first quarter.”
Although she was missing for a few games, LSU star Angel Reese was on the court again for the record-breaking game. She totaled nine rebounds and scored nine in the final quarter.
Mulkey, 61, grew up in Tangipahoa Parish, where she played youth basketball. She was also a high school basketball star during her youth in Tickfaw, La.
“As a player, Mulkey led the Lady Techsters to a 130-6 (.956) record, two national titles and four Final Fours from 1980-84,” said LSU of her time at Louisiana Tech. “During that time, the 5-foot-4 playmaker, known for her spectacular passes and French braids, also led Louisiana Tech to its first two national championships (1981 and 1982) and was a part of the USA’s Gold medal-winning team at both the 1984 Olympics and the 1983 Pan American Games.”
Mulkey spent years as a coach at her alma mater and then moved on to Baylor University. There, she led the Lady Bears to four Final Fours, winning three national titles.
When she came to Baton Rouge to coach the lady Tigers in 2021, Mulkey was the “most accomplished head coaching hire, in the school’s history.
She’s the only person in college basketball history – men’s or women’s – to win national championships as a head coach, assistant coach and a player, said LSU. In fact, the school said that Mulkey is the most successful player-turned-coach in college basketball history.
“THAT’S OUR COACH,” said the school’s X page. “The quickest ever to 700 wins!”