On December 1, following LSU’s win over North Carolina Central, Kim Mulkey celebrated her 100th victory as LSU’s head coach at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Not only did she reach this milestone, but she also became the fastest coach in program history to achieve it. As expected, Mulkey didn’t forget to credit those who’ve supported her journey. Meanwhile, she also threw in some truth bombs. Surprising but true!

“The older I get, the more I realize that the Bob Starkeys of the world keep me in coaching longer,” Mulkey said during the post-game conference. The HC, now with an LSU coaching record of 100-14 since 2021, understands the value assistant coaches bring to the team. She digs into her own experience, revealing she can go catch up on films that have been made ready by one of her ACs while leaving the practice under another.

“I can leave right now and take a deep breath,” she says speaking of assistant coaches’ reliance. But there are very few that really acknowledge those roles Mulkey believes. “Because those assistants can get you fired, or they can make you look great. When I say fired, it means you’re not winning, that means you are not getting players, that means you are not recruiting players.” So you value them.

Kim Mulkey was herself an assistant coach for 15 years, starting with Louisiana Tech in 1985. Helping the team to a 430–68 record, Mulkey received her recognition, initially in the form of promotion, ten years in, and then being inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America’s Academic Hall of Fame.

But as an HC now, the 2012 College Coach of the Year wishes all her assistant coaches feel valued and seen, be it encouraging to bring their kids to work or fight for their pay. But it goes both ways. “Do your responsibility and we all have a great deal,” she adds. From moving to Baton Rouge in 2021 to LSU’s 2023 national championship win to last year’s Elite Eight appearance, everything has been a collaborative effort.

Her team currently includes Seimone Augustus, Bob Starkey, Gary Redus, Joe Schwartz, Jennifer Roberts, Daphne Mitchell, and Kaylin Rice.

This strong support system has been instrumental in LSU’s rapid rise under her leadership, allowing her to achieve 100 wins in just three seasons and nine games—a staggering accomplishment in Baton Rouge.

But Kim Mulkey’s gratitude didn’t stop with her coaching staff

She also praised the exceptional talent on LSU’s roster over the years. “It’s just coaching good players,” she said after the buzzer sounded, marking her 100th win. “Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to coach players who believe in our system and what we do. Coming to LSU is no different than when I was at Baylor for 20-plus years. Kids have to believe in you and let you coach them. All those wins belong to them,” she added.

This milestone was a collective effort by both the team and staff. Star junior Flau’jae Johnson led the roster with an impressive 22 points, four blocks, and a steal. Aneesha Morrow contributed with a double-double, recording 17 points and 11 rebounds. Seven other players, including transfer guard Kailyn Gilbert, who posted 19 points and four steals, also reached double figures.

Their dominance on the court has led LSU to achieve two wins of at least 80 points —a feat not accomplished since 2002. However, this joy might be fleeting as speculation grows that Kim Mulkey may soon announce her retirement. What do you think lies ahead for LSU?