Greatness often reinvents itself, and Hall of Famer Kim Mulkey embodies that truth. A proven winner as both a player and a coach, she is the first and only person in NCAA history to win national championships as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Across the 43-year history of the NCAA tournament, Mulkey has participated in every single one, except for 1985 and 2003, either competing on the court or on the sidelines.
Her career started as a player at Louisiana Tech from 1980 to 1984, where she won the inaugural NCAA Championship in 1982. Mulkey finished her collegiate career with an impressive 130-6 record, dominating in an era where women’s basketball lacked resources and recognition. She went on to play for Team USA, winning gold at the 1984 Olympic Games. Mulkey was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 for her remarkable playing résumé.
Mulkey transitioned into coaching in 1985, where she returned to Louisiana Tech as an assistant coach to begin a new chapter of success. From 1985 to 2000, the Lady Techsters amassed a 430-68 record, played in seven Final Fours, and won the 1988 national championship. Mulkey landed her first head coaching position with Baylor in 2000. In her inaugural season as head coach, Baylor received its first-ever NCAA tournament bid, then went on to take them back 18 more times. Under her leadership, the Bears won the NCAA titles in 2005, 2012 and 2019, including an undefeated 40-0 season in 2012
After 21 seasons at Baylor, Mulkey came home to Louisiana. In 2021, she accepted the head coaching position at Louisiana State University (LSU). In just two years. Mulkey brought an NCAA Championship to Baton Rouge, adding another title to her decorated coaching career.
Regardless of where she has played or coached, Kim Mulkey has always been a distinct winner. Her legacy spans across generations, growing into something uniquely of its own, and built on an unwavering commitment to excellence.
About the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Founded in 1999, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF), located in Knoxville, Tennessee, honors the greatest players, coaches, contributors, and officials in women’s basketball history. The WBHOF is the only facility of its kind, recognizing excellence at all levels of the sport, from high school and collegiate competition to professional and international play. The Hall is home to more than 200 inductees and works to preserve the legacy of women’s basketball through its museum, educational programming, special events, and annual induction ceremony.
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