LSU’s Kim Mulkey showers love on coach Seimone Augustus’ heartfelt speech after Hall of Fame induction 

LSU Tigers' latest addition to the coaching staff, Seimone Augustus, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday. She was joined by fellow Class of 2024 inductees like former Phoenix Mercury star Michele Timms and more.

It was Augustus' third induction after the Women's Basketball and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame earlier this year. Tigers coach Kim Mulkey reshared a snippet of Augustus' speech and added three hearts in the school's colors.

Kim Mulkey story praising Seimone Augustus (Credit: Instagram/@coachkimmulkey)

Seimone Augustus played for four years with the LSU Tigers before moving to the WNBA. She was a trailblazer who led the Tiger to three consecutive Final Four appearances.

After nearly 14 years in the league, Seimone Augustus hung her shoes up in 2020. She had a brief stint as the assistant coach for her final WNBA team, the Los Angeles Sparks.

When explaining her choice to return to the court as a coach, Augustus said:

“They kept reaching out — (Lynx coach) Cheryl Reeve, (LSU coach Kim) Mulkey and (LSU associate coach) Bob Starkey, saying I think you should coach. I took a chance and I got that first little taste. I was able to instruct a player on what to do. I saw an opening, took it and it worked. I was shocked ... and I was hooked again.”

When talking about her transition to coaching at her alma mater, Seimone Augustus credited Kim Mulkey.

"I’ve absorbed a vast amount of knowledge in such a short span," said Augustus. "Coach Mulkey has really taken me under her wing. Whether she’s breaking down film, teaching or upbraiding us, she ensures to come over and explain her approach."

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Seimone Augustus praises the current generation of female basketball players

Women's basketball has finally been receiving the love it deserves, and Seimone Augustus is extremely happy about it. When talking about those before and after her, she said:

“I am so proud. There were a lot of generations who came before us — trailblazers. They did not get to see the increase in visibility and brand coverage. To be able to see the young ladies get everything they deserve is amazing.”

WNBA games are now breaking viewership numbers previously never seen and that is in part thanks to another LSU alum, Angel Reese. Seimone Augustus will now be leading the next generation of Lady Tigers to a similar victory on every level.