LSU Erects STATUE of Kim Mulkey! – Fans STUNNED by This UNBELIEVABLE Honor
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of college basketball, Louisiana State University (LSU) has immortalized legendary women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey by erecting a statue in her honor outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The stunning tribute, unveiled in a star-studded ceremony, celebrates Mulkey’s meteoric rise and transformative impact on the LSU women’s basketball program—a program she propelled to national prominence in just a few short years. Fans, players, and sports analysts alike are buzzing over the unprecedented honor, with many calling it one of the fastest statue dedications in college sports history.
The bronze statue, standing at an imposing eight feet tall, captures Mulkey in her signature sideline pose—fierce, determined, and exuding the unshakable confidence that has become her trademark. Clad in one of her iconic sequined jackets, the sculpture perfectly embodies the larger-than-life personality that has made Mulkey a household name. The base of the statue bears the inscription: *“Kim Mulkey – A Champion Who Built Champions.”* The unveiling ceremony drew a massive crowd of LSU faithful, former players, and basketball luminaries, all gathered to witness a moment many never saw coming so soon—but all agree is richly deserved.
Kim Mulkey’s arrival at LSU in April 2021 marked the beginning of a new era for the Tigers. Already a Hall of Fame coach with three national championships at Baylor, Mulkey brought an instant credibility and a winning mentality to Baton Rouge. In just her second season, she led LSU to its first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in 2023, defeating Iowa in a thrilling title game that became one of the most-watched women’s college basketball games in history. That victory wasn’t just a championship—it was a cultural reset for LSU athletics, proving that the Tigers could dominate on the biggest stage under Mulkey’s leadership.
But it wasn’t just the championship that cemented Mulkey’s legacy. It was the way she revitalized the program, turning LSU into a powerhouse that attracts top-tier talent and commands national attention. Her fiery passion, relentless work ethic, and unapologetic swagger have made her a beloved figure among fans and a feared adversary for opponents. Whether she’s making headlines for her bold fashion choices, her unfiltered press conferences, or her ability to develop players into stars, Mulkey has become synonymous with excellence at LSU.
The decision to honor her with a statue—typically reserved for coaches with decades-long tenures—speaks volumes about the magnitude of her impact. LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward, who orchestrated Mulkey’s hiring, called the tribute a “no-brainer” during the ceremony. *“Some people spend a lifetime trying to build a legacy like Kim Mulkey has built in just three years,”* Woodward said. *“She didn’t just change LSU women’s basketball; she changed the entire landscape of our athletics program. This statue isn’t just about wins—it’s about the standard of excellence she has set.”*
Reactions from fans have been overwhelmingly positive, though some have expressed surprise at the speed of the honor. Social media erupted with comments ranging from *“Well deserved! Coach Mulkey is a LEGEND!”* to *“A statue already? That was quick!”* Yet even skeptics can’t deny the numbers: a national title, multiple SEC accolades, record-breaking attendance, and a recruiting pipeline that ensures LSU will remain a contender for years to come.
Former LSU star Angel Reese, who played a pivotal role in the 2023 championship run, took to Instagram to praise her former coach: *“No one deserves this more. You believed in us when nobody else did. LEGEND FOREVER.”* Current players, including Flau’jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith, were also in attendance, visibly emotional as they watched the statue unveiling. For them, Mulkey isn’t just a coach—she’s a mentor who pushes them to greatness on and off the court.
Opposing coaches have also weighed in, with UConn’s Geno Auriemma and South Carolina’s Dawn Staley both sending congratulatory messages. Staley, a longtime rival, tweeted: *“Love her or hate her, Kim Mulkey gets results. Congrats to a true competitor.”* Even Mulkey’s critics—and she has a few—can’t argue with her success.
As for Mulkey herself, the typically outspoken coach was uncharacteristically emotional during the ceremony. Fighting back tears, she thanked LSU, her players, and the fans, saying, *“I came here to win, but I never imagined something like this. This is Baton Rouge’s statue as much as it is mine because y’all believed in the vision.”* She then quipped, *“Now I’ve gotta live up to this thing!”*—a remark that drew laughter and applause from the crowd.
The statue now stands as a permanent reminder of what Kim Mulkey has accomplished—and what’s still to come. With a loaded roster and championship expectations for the 2024-25 season, Mulkey shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, the statue serves as both a celebration and a challenge: the best may still be yet to come.
For LSU fans, the message is clear—Kim Mulkey isn’t just a coach passing through. She’s a foundational pillar of the program, a trailblazer who elevated LSU women’s basketball to unprecedented heights. And now, her legacy is literally set in stone.
As the crowd dispersed after the unveiling, one fan’s comment summed it up best: *“They didn’t just build a statue of Kim Mulkey. They built a monument to winning.”* And in Baton Rouge, winning will always be worth celebrating.
