LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey recently discussed leadership and the impact of social media on today’s athletes during a podcast interview on Get Gordon Presents.
Mulkey, who has won multiple championships, explained the qualities of great leadership and how social media’s grip is shaping this generation of athletes.
Kim Mulkey Talks About Social Media’s Grip on Players
Mulkey emphasized that leadership is often hindered by the desire to be liked, a trait she believes is prevalent in today’s athletes. “This generation… they’re kind of afraid to lead,” Mulkey said. “They want to be liked by everybody.”
She explained that a true leader does not worry about being liked by everyone, as leadership often involves making decisions that will not be universally popular. “You can’t name one leader that everybody loves,” she said. “They always have to make decisions that people don’t agree with. They always are going to have the naysayers, and you can’t be worried about that.”
Mulkey further highlighted how the pressure to be liked has intensified in the social media era, where athletes often measure their worth through likes, comments, and shares.
“They want that heart, that thumbs up, or that like,” Mulkey said. “If you’re going to read social media when everything’s good and they love you and pat you on the back and all that stuff, you better be very willing to take the criticism, because those same people are going to be horrible to you the next week.”
She emphasized that the constant need for approval can be damaging, especially when athletes tie their worth to virtual praise. Mulkey’s message serves as a wake-up call for young athletes navigating the challenges of leadership and self-worth in a digital world.
Kim Mulkey on NIL and Athletes Who Are Doing It Right
During her appearance on the Get Gordon Presents podcast, Mulkey also shared her perspective on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), praising LSU athletes who she believes truly represent what NIL should stand for in college sports. She pointed to Flau’jae Johnson, Angel Reese and Livvy Dunne as standout examples.
“If you were going to write a description of what NIL was really supposed to be about, all you’d have to do is write her name (Flau’jae Johnson) next to it,” Mulkey said (21:38). “All you’d have to do is write Angel Reese’s name next to it. Livvy Dunne. They don’t have a hand out on LSU on give me an exorbitant amount of money. NIL is go create your own brand.”
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Mulkey praised these athletes for their talent and how they have approached NIL opportunities by building personal brands rather than demanding large sums from universities.
Johnson, whose NIL valuation has reached $1.5 million according to On3, has inked partnerships with major companies like Apple Cash, JBL Audio, Bazooka, and Unrivaled—all while maintaining her role as a key figure on the LSU basketball team and pursuing a hip-hop career.
Angel Reese, now with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, helped lead LSU to a national title in 2023 under Mulkey and became a cultural icon. Livvy Dunne, a gymnast and social media star, is another athlete who has used her platform to secure NIL deals that align with her brand without putting a price tag on joining the team.
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