Immortalized in Bronze: LSU Honors Kim Mulkey as First Woman in Tigers Basketball History with Statue — A Legendary Salute to Her Title-Winning Legacy, Fierce Leadership, and Unrivaled Impact on Women’s Hoops
Baton Rouge, LA – June 3, 2025 — In a moment that will go down in sports history, Louisiana State University (LSU) has unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of Kim Mulkey, immortalizing the trailblazing women’s basketball coach whose leadership, intensity, and championship pedigree have forever changed the face of the program — and women’s sports at large.
The statue, now standing proudly outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, marks the first time a woman in LSU basketball history — men’s or women’s — has been honored with a permanent sculpture. The emotional ceremony was attended by current and former players, LSU administrators, local officials, fans, and family members, all gathered to celebrate a coach whose influence transcends the court.
“Today is bigger than basketball,” said LSU President William F. Tate IV during the unveiling. “This is about legacy, about recognition, and about paying homage to a woman who didn’t just win — she transformed everything around her.”
A Monument to Excellence
Since arriving at LSU in 2021, Kim Mulkey has rapidly elevated the Lady Tigers to elite status. In just her second season, she led LSU to the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, securing the program’s first-ever national title. Her fierce courtside presence, unapologetic personality, and ability to empower athletes have redefined what leadership looks like in women’s sports.
The statue captures Mulkey mid-roar, fists clenched — a tribute to her trademark fire and emotion that has become synonymous with her coaching style.
“This statue isn’t about me,” Mulkey told the crowd during her heartfelt speech. “It’s about every woman who dreamed big, fought hard, and believed that winning with style, grit, and authenticity matters. LSU gave me a platform, and I gave it everything I had.”
A Career of Firsts
Kim Mulkey’s achievements are vast. Before her success at LSU, she built a dynasty at Baylor University, winning three national championships (2005, 2012, 2019). She’s the only person in NCAA history to win titles as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 solidified her place among the sport’s legends.
Yet, what makes her statue so historic is not just the accolades — it’s what she symbolizes. Mulkey has long been a champion for equality in sports, a relentless advocate for her players, and a fierce opponent of complacency in a male-dominated arena.
“Kim Mulkey didn’t just coach champions — she raised the bar for what women can do in this game,” said Dawn Staley, South Carolina head coach and a longtime friend and rival. “She’s one of the greatest to ever do it, period.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The statue serves not only as a tribute to past glory but also as inspiration for future generations of athletes, coaches, and fans. Young girls in Baton Rouge and beyond will now walk past a monument that tells them: greatness knows no gender.
As part of the ceremony, LSU also announced the launch of the Kim Mulkey Leadership Initiative, a scholarship and mentorship program designed to support women pursuing careers in sports leadership and coaching.
“Legacy is about what you leave behind — and this is just the beginning,” Mulkey said. “I’m still coaching, still fighting, and still dreaming big.”
A Legend Cemented in Bronze
With this honor, LSU has cemented Kim Mulkey’s place not only in Tigers history but in the broader story of American sports. Her statue stands not just as a reflection of past triumphs but as a rallying cry for excellence, equity, and empowerment in women’s athletics.
And for LSU fans, players, and supporters of the game, one thing is now clear: Kim Mulkey is more than a coach — she’s a symbol of what’s possib
le when passion meets purpose.
