“Getting older is not for sissies”: When Kim Mulkey spoke about her heart surgery and other health scares after winning the NCAA title

In June last year, right after winning the 2023 NCAA championship, LSU coach Kim Mulkey had a potentially life-saving heart surgery after it was found that she had 90-95% blockage in a coronary artery. The 62-year-old did not show any symptoms of heart issues but was diagnosed as an asymptomatic patient, meaning she could have suffered a heart attack without any warning signs.

Later in October, Kim Mulkey spoke with the news channel WBRZ and explained the many health issues she had to take care of during the offseason.

"I was just thinking the other day what a wonderful offseason to celebrate a championship and relax and do all the extra things that we've been able to do," Mulkey said (00:09). "And then I thought this may be an offseason like none other, as far as my health is concerned and I said, 'I sure am tired of all these little things.'"

She went into the details of her health issues and spoke about her philosophy to deal with these troubles.

"Not that the heart is a little thing, but first it was the blood in the retina, fixed that. Then we did the stents in the heart. I now have a broken toe that I'm trying to navigate for the next four to six weeks. I guess you'd say getting older is not for sissies, but you deal with whatever comes your way and just keep on keepin' on." Mulkey said.

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Kim Mulkey's LSU Tigers enjoy an incredible start to the 2024-25 season

Coach Mulkey and the LSU bench - Source: Imagn

After the national championship in 2023, the LSU Tigers fell short of defending their title as they exited at the Elite Eight stage in 2024. With renewed hopes of another championship, Kim Mulkey and her team are on a 11-game winning streak, starting the season 11-0.

In addition to this, coach Mulkey also made history with the Tigers as she recorded her 100th win last week. She credited her achievement to her players, who trusted her with their careers.

"It's just coaching good players. Throughout my career I've been blessed to coach players that believe in our system and what we do," Mulkey said. "Coming to LSU is not any different than when I was at Baylor for 20-plus years. Kids have to believe in you and let you coach them. All of those wins belong to them."

Kim Mulkey also credited her coaching staff for the success, sharing that she does not have to stress much about game plans since her assistant coaches are well-prepared.