**Congratulations: Kim Mulkey, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Named GAC Tournament Coach of the Year, Capping Off an Extraordinary Season**
*Baton Rouge, LA — May 8, 2025*
In a season filled with grit, passion, and undeniable excellence, **Kim Mulkey**, head coach of the **LSU Tigers women’s basketball team**, has added another prestigious honor to her already storied career. Earlier today, Mulkey was named the **GAC Tournament Coach of the Year**, a testament to her leadership and the Tigers’ dominance on the court throughout the 2024–25 campaign.
The **Gulf Athletic Conference (GAC)** released the official announcement, citing Mulkey’s outstanding guidance, strategic brilliance, and unwavering ability to inspire her team to perform at the highest level during one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
> “Kim Mulkey continues to redefine success in women’s college basketball,” said GAC Commissioner **Sandra Caldwell** in a statement. “Her ability to consistently lead and elevate her program—both on and off the court—makes her not only a deserving winner but a role model for coaches across the nation.”
### **A Season to Remember**
Under Mulkey’s leadership, LSU surged through the regular season and into the GAC tournament as one of the most dominant forces in the league. The Tigers posted an **impressive 27–4 overall record** and an **undefeated run in GAC Tournament play**, dispatching several nationally ranked opponents along the way. The championship win was LSU’s second in three years under Mulkey, who has now firmly cemented herself among the top active coaches in collegiate basketball.
From a resounding opening night victory to a string of gutsy come-from-behind wins, Mulkey’s Tigers played with a tenacity and chemistry that reflected the DNA of their coach—fiery, focused, and fearless.
“It’s never about the individual honors,” Mulkey said humbly after the announcement. “It’s about the team, the staff, the fans, and this great university. I’m just proud to coach these young women. They’ve made this season unforgettable.”
### **Developing Talent, Building a Culture**
One of the cornerstones of Mulkey’s coaching philosophy is player development, and this season was no exception. Multiple LSU players earned All-GAC honors, including standout forward **Jada Williams**, who was named GAC Tournament MVP after averaging 22.4 points and 11 rebounds per game.
In addition, freshman sensation **Arielle Porter** turned heads across the nation, earning the GAC Freshman of the Year award and drawing comparisons to former LSU greats. Both players credited Mulkey’s hands-on coaching style and her ability to instill belief.
“Coach Mulkey pushes us to be the best versions of ourselves,” said Williams. “She’s hard on us, but she loves us. That combination is why we fight so hard for her every game.”
Mulkey’s staff also drew praise for their behind-the-scenes work in conditioning, game preparation, and recruiting—areas Mulkey insists are “just as important as game-day coaching.”
### **Mulkey’s Legacy Grows**
This latest accolade only adds to **Kim Mulkey’s remarkable coaching résumé**, which already includes **four national championships, multiple Final Fours**, and several national Coach of the Year honors. Since taking over the LSU program in 2021, Mulkey has completely revitalized the Tigers, transforming them into perennial title contenders and one of the most watched programs in women’s college basketball.
In her first year at LSU, she led the Tigers to a 26–6 record and a return to national relevance. Just two seasons later, she brought home LSU’s first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2023. Her relentless work ethic, tactical acumen, and intense sideline presence have made her a fan favorite and an icon in Baton Rouge.
“Kim Mulkey has brought a championship mentality to LSU,” said LSU Athletic Director **Scott Woodward**. “Her dedication to the student-athletes and her ability to compete at the highest level every single year is exactly what we envisioned when we brought her here.”
### **Looking Ahead**
With this honor in hand and momentum on their side, Mulkey and the Tigers are already looking toward next season. While several seniors will graduate, LSU’s top-ranked recruiting class is expected to keep the team in the national spotlight. And with Mulkey at the helm, expectations will remain sky-high.
“We’re going to celebrate this,” Mulkey said. “But then it’s back to work. The game keeps evolving, and so do we. Our goal is always the same—bring pride to LSU and keep chasing greatness.”
LSU fans and basketball enthusiasts across the country took to social media to congratulate Mulkey, with hashtags like **#CoachOfTheYear** and **#MulkeyMagic** trending within hours of the announcement.
### **A Coach, A Leader, A Trailblazer**
Mulkey’s recognition as GAC Tournament Coach of the Year isn’t just a win for her or the LSU program—it’s another milestone for a woman who has consistently pushed boundaries in a sport still growing in visibility and investment. Her fierce advocacy for women’s sports, competitive drive, and unapologetic authenticity continue to inspire coaches and players alike.
As one of only a few coaches to win national titles as both a player and a coach, and now a GAC Tournament Coach of the Year, Mulkey has shown once again that excellence is a habit—not an accident.
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**Read More:**
* *GAC Tournament Recap: LSU’s Road to the Title*
* *Jada Williams: The MVP Who Won the Moment*
* *Behind the Bench: The Assistant Coaches Fueling LSU’s Success*
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