“Why?”, “Run now!”: When Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey jokingly scared off ambitious high school hooper who wanted to become college coach

Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies and Kim Mulkey's LSU Tigers women’s basketball teams closed their nonconference schedules with decisive victories on Sunday. Auriemma’s team delivered a 67-41 victory, improving their record to 11-2. Meanwhile, Kim Mulkey’s No. 3 LSU squad overcame UAlbany 83-61, ending their nonconference run with a flawless 15-0 mark.

During an interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival in mid-June this year, the legendary coaches shared their perspectives on the challenges of coaching college basketball. Their discussion was prompted by a question from a high school basketball player who asked:

"What advice do you have for becoming a college coach?"

The conversation, hosted by MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle, took place against the backdrop of a landmark year for NCAA women’s basketball, which saw record-breaking viewership in 2024 after years of efforts to captivate a larger audience.

Both coaches humorously discouraged the aspiring young coach by recounting the demanding and often unpredictable nature of their profession. Auriemma’s response was particularly blunt:

“Why?” (Timestamp: 44:50)

Mulkey quickly added:

“Run, run now.”

Coaching insights from Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey

Expanding on his initial comment, Auriemma explained the demands of the profession:

“Every kid and every human being needs to have something they’re passionate about. If teaching and helping people get better is your passion, do it. But understand what you’re giving up.”

Auriemma pointed out that coaching often requires prioritizing players over family.

“You’re going to end up spending more time with other people’s kids than your own."

"You can’t be surprised by that. It’s a tough life, and those people are counting on you to be everything for them. It’s a drain, and it takes a lot of support.”

Mulkey offered a similarly sobering perspective, describing coaching as a profession of extremes.

“Coaching has the highest of highs and the lowest of lows,” she remarked.

Mulkey shared her unexpected journey into coaching, which began after she completed her MBA following the 1984 Olympics. Initially intending to pursue a business career, she found herself drawn into coaching, and four decades later, she remains deeply entrenched in the profession.

She explained that a significant factor in maintaining her focus has been her decision to avoid social media. Mulkey recounted an early experience with message boards at Baylor, where she came across an inflammatory rumor. She said:

“I wanted to find that person and confront them.”

Realizing the emotional toll it could take, she chose to stay offline entirely. She mentioned that beyond the visible highs and lows of games are the unseen struggles: sleepless nights, lost recruits and difficult decisions. She said:

“We’re all going to lose. When the losses linger with you longer than the wins, you’ve got to get perspective.”

After the victory against the Albany Great Danes, LSU is set to open the SEC competition against Arkansas on Jan. 2.