Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The long-awaited profile on LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey was recently published by The Washington Post. Contrary to Mulkey’s expectations of a negative portrayal, the article by Kent Babb delved into the influences and experiences that have shaped Mulkey into a highly successful coach, with four national championships under her belt.
One notable influence on Mulkey was legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, who showed her that it was possible to excel in basketball while also balancing family life. Mulkey’s dedication to her coaching career was so profound that she took her two-week-old daughter on a recruiting trip and even breastfed her infant son before and after practices and games.
Despite the publication of the article, Mulkey remained adamant about refraining from reading it, expressing indifference to its contents. During a media engagement before a critical Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA, Mulkey made it clear that she hadn’t read the article and left it in the hands of her legal team, hinting at potential legal action.
The Washington Post article was expected to include accounts from former players who may have had negative experiences with Mulkey. One such player, Emily Niemann, who played for Mulkey at Baylor, initially left the team due to feeling uncomfortable as a gay woman and finding Mulkey too demanding. However, Niemann later returned to express gratitude to Mulkey for her positive impact, despite their previous issues.
Following LSU’s victory over UCLA, Mulkey seemed unfazed by the article’s release, feigning ignorance when asked about it during a press conference. Her sarcastic response to the timing of the article’s publication hinted at her displeasure with the situation but did not detract from the team’s performance on the court.
Despite Mulkey’s objections, the article received positive reception on social media, with many praising its fairness and lack of sensationalism. Mulkey’s subsequent criticisms of a Los Angeles Times column labeling LSU as “villains” highlighted her continued defiance against negative media portrayals, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her team and players.
Looking ahead, LSU’s upcoming Elite Eight matchup against Iowa promises to be a thrilling contest, further showcasing Mulkey’s leadership and the team’s resilience in the face of external scrutiny. As Mulkey navigates the media landscape, her focus remains on guiding her team to success on the court, regardless of the distractions that may arise.