Kim Mulkey mulls over LSU retirement plans after daunting Elite Eight exit: "Maybe that's when it's time to retire"

Modified Apr 02, 2025 14:55 GMT

NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament Spokane Regional-UCLA Bruins vs LSU Lady Tigers - Source: Imagn — Kim Mulkey in the loss to the UCLA Bruins. - Source: James Snook, Imagn

LSU Tigers coach Kim Mulkey fell short of leading her team to a second national title in the 2024-25 season. The Tigers, seeded third in Spokane Regional 1, advanced to the Elite Eight but lost 72-65 to No. 1 UCLA.

Mulkey and her team now focus on preparing for the 2025-26 season, aiming for a strong comeback. On Tuesday's edition of 104.5 ESPN, Mulkey was asked about her coaching morals, specifically how she deals with players of a different generation.

Mulkey said,

"I think I really have to keep telling myself a couple of things when I lay in bed at night and say my prayers. There is more good in this world than bad. I have to say that. We just see the bad. I also say, 'God, I know young people's deep win in life is for somebody to push them to become what they're capable of becoming.' I just have to believe those things." (6:55)

Mulkey then added that if and when the truth for her is getting tested, then that may be the time for Mulkey to mull over plans of retiring from being a college coach.

Mulkey added,

"And maybe that's my answer to your question. When I don't feel like that is still the truth and what I believe, then maybe that's when it's time to retire. The critics, the people that, you know, the haters as the young people call it — I don't hear any of that because I don't live in a social media world. I think when I speak."

"Whether you agree with me or you disagree with me, I have to believe that it's refreshing to have a coach who speaks how she feels. When I can't do that, and I get up there and it's fake and phony, and I have to think about what I say because it has to be politically correct, maybe that's the time to step down."

In 2023, Mulkey's LSU won its first national championship after a 102-85 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

LSU Tigers received a vengeance-fueled defeat at the hands of UCLA Bruins

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In back-to-back years, the LSU Tigers were matched up against the UCLA Bruins in March Madness. Last year, they beat the Bruins 78-69 in the Sweet 16. This time around, UCLA was successful in its pursuit of a comeback triumph over LSU.

The Cori Close-coached Bruins now have the chance to capture their program's first national title.

About the author

Koby del Rosario is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda who took up BS in Advertising Management at De La Salle University, one of the big "four" universities in the Philippines. Koby has over four years of experience with Complex PH, M2.0 Communications, The LaSallian, Daily Tribune, and Time Attack Manila.

Koby's favorite college team would have to be the North Carolina Tar Heels. Apart from being MJ's alma mater, Koby has always been fond of the Jordan silhouettes that release in the school's colors (being a sneakerhead himself).

His past favorite college players would have to be Russell Westbrook (UCLA) and Markelle Fultz (Washington). With Russ, his 1-2 punch with Kevin Love during their UCLA days was something Koby marveled at as Russ became his favorite player to watch post-Kobe.

Besides playing basketball, Koby enjoys nightlife, collecting sneakers, and playing video games. Apart from hosting parties and taking pictures for parties/bars/clubs, Koby is learning to DJ as a hobby with all sorts of house and hip-hop as the main genres.

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Edited by Ribin Peter