Flau’jae Johnson described her connection with Coach Kim Mulkey as one built on a foundation of radical honesty. She emphasized that from her freshman year to her senior season, Mulkey has never misled her or offered empty promises.
The directness created a culture of accountability where expectations were clear from the very beginning of her collegiate career. In an appearance on the “We Need To Talk” podcast, she said:
“I would just say honest. We have a very honest relationship because Coach Mulkey doesn’t lie. From my freshman year until now, she’s never lied to me. She never promised me I was going to start; she only promised that if I worked hard and earned the spot, I would play. She kept her word.” [04:14]
The toughness of Mulkey’s approach is balanced by a deep, mutual respect that allows for open and sometimes difficult conversations. Flau’jae said that they have reached a level of maturity where they can change one another without damaging their bond.
This transparency is a key element of their communication, which Flau’jae admits is surprisingly frequent and highly valued. She added:
“Now we have a real openness where I can tell her how I feel, and she can tell me ‘no,’ or I can tell her ‘no.’ We actually talk a lot, which is crazy, but I really appreciate her honesty.”
Ultimately, this tough love has forged a lifelong loyalty between Johnson and Mulkey. Johnson expresses a profound affection for the relationship, stating that it transcends the basketball court.
She said she loves her relationship with coach Mulkey and feels secure in the knowledge that they will always support one another, regardless of where their respective paths lead after LSU.
Flau’jae Johnson Has Her Eyes Set on a Second National Championship
Flau’jae Johnson remains intensely focused on her final season at LSU with her sights set on a second national championship. She views her legacy not just through individual accolades or music success, but through her ability to lead the Tigers back to the summit of college basketball.
For her, the current standard at LSU is natty or bust, and anything less than a deep tournament run would feel like an incomplete season. Speaking on the
We Need to Talk” podcast, she said:
“We kind of have like a standard now. We gotta make a pretty deep run in the tournament and if we don’t do that it’s kind of a failure of a season. Just getting as far as we can in the tournament.”
As she prepares for the WNBA, Flau’jae is also embracing a more prominent leadership role to mentor the younger players on the roster. She recognizes the unique position she holds at the intersection of NIL success, music, and elite athletics.
While the spotlight on her has never been brighter, she is determined to stay poised and use her platform to inspire the next generation of hoopers.
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