“I’m not going to take a chance” — LSU HC Kim Mulkey provides updates on Shayeann Day-Wilson and Mjracle Sheppard’s injuries

The LSU Tigers wrapped up their games with a decisive 117-37 victory over LSU-Alexandria. However, as the regular season approaches, coach Kim Mulkey addressed the injury statuses of Shayeann Day-Wilson and Mjracle Sheppard. Their returns could be crucial to the Tigers' future games.

Following the team's win, Mulkey clarified Sheppard’s condition, revealing that her absence would extend into the start of the season. Earlier in the interview, she said her team was struggling, with all the players being sidelined.

“Miracle actually is going to be out probably, I don’t know how long, a couple of weeks. She has a stress reaction, not a fracture," Mulkey said.

"It’s a hot spot, and I’m not going to take a chance and let that turn into some kind of fracture,” she added.

Sheppard transferred to LSU after a standout season at Mississippi State. In LSU’s exhibition against Xavier (NO), she recorded six steals. Sheppard plays as a defense for the Tigers. She previously led Mississippi State in a win over LSU with six steals, relentlessly pressing LSU’s guards for the entire game. Although her debut is temporarily postponed, her role as a defensive stalwart remains clear.

Lastly, when the interviewer asked:

"Do you expect Miracle to play on Monday?"

Her response left no room for doubt:

"No."

Kim Mulkey also sidelined Shayeann Day-Wilson due to injury

Alongside Sheppard, starter Shayeann Day-Wilson missed the exhibition game. Mulkey has indicated that both Day-Wilson and Sheppard are on track to return for LSU’s season opener against Eastern Kentucky on Monday, Nov. 4. Day-Wilson and Mikaylah Williams are expected to join the starting lineup.

With Sheppard and Day-Wilson sidelined, Mulkey has had the opportunity to test her bench options, with freshman Jada Richard and Arizona transfer Kailyn Gilbert stepping up in their absence. Both players played in LSU’s latest exhibition. They contributed 40 points between them on highly efficient shooting.

LSU’s season opener marks the beginning of Mulkey’s fourth season as coach. The team begins ranked No. 7 in the AP poll. Last season, LSU narrowly missed the Final Four. However, this year’s team is to take the next step toward a championship.

The Tigers will host Eastern Kentucky for their season opener. Monday’s opener will be LSU’s first test of the season.