Kim Mulkey, the renowned head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has been a pivotal figure in the team’s success. Her leadership and strategic prowess have guided the Tigers to numerous victories, making her absence a significant concern for the team’s performance in the SEC Tournament.
As LSU advances to the semifinals, Mulkey’s status is under scrutiny due to an unexpected death in her family, which has kept her away from the team.
Mulkey’s importance to LSU extends beyond her coaching skills. She is a symbol of resilience and determination. Her absence can impact team morale and strategy. Texas is the No. 1 seed in the semifinals, and the Tigers may need Mulkey’s guidance to defeat this difficult team. Fans and analysts show great interest in learning if Mulkey will come back to coach the team during this important game.
What Happened to Kim Mulkey?
The unexpected death of a family member earlier in the week prevented Kim Mulkey from coaching duties. The death caused her to avoid team practices. During the Florida quarterfinal game, assistant coach Bob Starkey led the team to a 101-87 victory. During the game, Mulkey occupied the seat on the bench while connecting with Starkey, although she refrained from taking any coaching responsibilities.
According to the SEC Network broadcast, Bob Starkey will play more of a head coaching role along with Kim Mulkey.
Mulkey dealt with an unexpected death in her family, which kept her away from the team going into the Tournament.
Thoughts and prayers to Mulkey and her family.
— Tyler Harden (@ttjharden8) March 8, 2025
Despite her physical presence, Mulkey emphasized that her mind was not entirely on the game, stating, “My mind still isn’t good. Only time heals your heart”.
The team’s performance under Starkey’s guidance was impressive. Starkey credited the win to Mulkey’s game plan. He noted, “This was a coach Mulkey win. I just got to stand up a little more.” Despite Mulkey’s absence, the team showed resilience and cohesion, indicating that they are capable of performing well even without their head coach on the sidelines.
Latest Updates on Kim Mulkey’s Status
As LSU prepares to face No. 1 Texas in the semifinals, there is no official word on whether Mulkey will return to coaching duties. Mulkey has praised Starkey’s abilities, suggesting he is more than capable of leading the team if needed.
When asked if being around her players helped her heal, Mulkey replied, “No, I love this game of basketball, but it’s not more important than the time it takes to heal from an unexpected death.”
The semifinal game against Texas is scheduled for Saturday, and while LSU’s performance without Mulkey has been strong, her presence could provide an emotional boost and strategic edge.
As Mulkey noted, “I was the biggest cheerleader, and I was able to sit in the middle of the bench and communicate with players.” If Mulkey returns, it could enhance the team’s confidence and tactical execution, potentially impacting the outcome against a formidable opponent like Texas.
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LSU’s team performance has demonstrated adaptive capabilities and strong determination, while Starkey is the interim head coach. The stakes of a semifinal competition would benefit from Starkey’s tactical expertise and coordination skills but gain additional value from having the seasoned Mulkey on the court.
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