BATON ROUGE, La. – In a move that resonates deeply with LSU Tigers fans and the women’s basketball world, the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has announced the appointment of Seimone Augustus as their new Director of Player
BATON ROUGE, La. – In a move that resonates deeply with LSU Tigers fans and the broader women’s basketball world, LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has announced the appointment of Seimone Augustus as their new Director of Player Development. This significant decision marks a new chapter in Augustus’s storied career and establishes her as a central figure in LSU’s basketball future. For fans, alumni, and the team, this announcement is more than a mere coaching change—it’s a full-circle moment for one of the most legendary figures in the history of LSU Athletics.
Seimone Augustus’s return to Baton Rouge isn’t just symbolic—it’s a strategic investment in the development of future generations of LSU women’s basketball players. With the new role, Augustus is expected to play a pivotal role in the holistic development of LSU’s athletes, combining her unmatched experience and personal insight into leadership, teamwork, and discipline.
Seimone Augustus: A Legacy Reimagined at LSU
For those who follow women’s basketball, Seimone Augustus needs little introduction. The Baton Rouge native became a household name during her time at LSU, where she transformed the program into a national powerhouse. Augustus’s journey with LSU dates back to the early 2000s when she first began to make her mark on the basketball world.
As one of the most talented and accomplished players in the history of college basketball, Augustus helped LSU achieve an unprecedented level of success. From 2004 to 2006, she led the Tigers to three consecutive Final Four appearances, a feat that put LSU firmly on the map in the world of women’s basketball. Her performances on the court were nothing short of spectacular, earning her accolades such as 2006 Associated Press National Player of the Year and multiple All-American honors.
As a player, Augustus finished her career with 2,702 points, making her the second-highest scorer in LSU history at the time, and she remains one of the most iconic athletes in the history of the Southeastern Conference. Her jersey was retired by LSU in 2010, an honor that further cemented her place as one of the program’s legends.
A Professional Career Full of Triumph
After her incredible college career, Augustus was selected by the Minnesota Lynx with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft. Her time in the WNBA was nothing short of exceptional. Over the course of 14 seasons, Augustus became one of the most successful and decorated players in the league’s history.
She led the Lynx to four WNBA championships, becoming a central figure in the team’s dynasty. Augustus’s leadership was pivotal in the team’s success, especially in 2011 when she was named the WNBA Finals MVP. Throughout her career, she earned eight WNBA All-Star selections, and her consistent excellence on the court made her one of the most respected players in the league.
In addition to her WNBA success, Augustus represented the United States in three Olympic Games (2008, 2012, and 2016), earning gold medals each time. Her career achievements solidified her place in basketball history, not only for her impressive individual accomplishments but also for her role in growing the popularity and visibility of women’s professional basketball.
A Return to Baton Rouge
Seimone Augustus’s return to LSU was a much-anticipated moment for fans, as her name is synonymous with success in Baton Rouge. After her retirement from the WNBA, Augustus decided to transition into coaching, a role she had always considered. In May 2024, she rejoined LSU as an assistant coach under Kim Mulkey, one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s basketball.
Mulkey’s decision to bring Augustus back to Baton Rouge was a strategic one, as she recognized the immense value Augustus could bring to the program. Augustus’s transition into coaching had a natural synergy with LSU’s broader mission: to develop not just basketball players, but well-rounded individuals who can excel on and off the court. Augustus brought an understanding of the game at the highest level, with a rich history of success both in college and in the professional arena. Her experiences in the WNBA and the Olympics added a level of expertise that made her an invaluable asset to the LSU staff.
Her influence was immediately felt, especially in the way she connected with the players. Augustus’s success on the court allowed her to earn the respect of LSU’s roster quickly, and she became a trusted mentor and guide for the Tigers. Her expertise in both offensive strategy and player development made her a go-to resource for LSU’s young athletes looking to refine their skills.
The New Role: Director of Player Development
The next logical step in Augustus’s journey with LSU came when she was appointed as the Director of Player Development. This newly created role reflects the growing emphasis LSU has placed on developing its players holistically. As the Director of Player Development, Augustus will be responsible for shaping the entire experience of LSU’s student-athletes, ensuring they grow not just as basketball players but as individuals.
In this role, Augustus will oversee a range of responsibilities that go beyond the technical aspects of basketball. She will focus on mentoring players in areas like leadership, mental toughness, communication, and personal growth. Augustus’s experience at the highest levels of basketball allows her to offer insights that go beyond traditional coaching, helping players understand what it takes to succeed at every stage of their careers.
Moreover, Augustus will play a crucial role in helping players navigate the pressures of being a student-athlete. Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life can be challenging for young athletes, and Augustus’s guidance will help LSU’s players develop the resilience and discipline needed to thrive in such an environment.
Coach Mulkey’s Vision for LSU Basketball
Kim Mulkey, who took the helm of LSU’s women’s basketball program in 2021, has made her mark as one of the most successful and influential coaches in the sport. Mulkey’s coaching philosophy revolves around building a team that excels in every facet of the game, and she believes in developing players both on and off the court.
In a statement about Augustus’s appointment, Mulkey expressed her confidence in the new role, saying, “Seimone has been a tremendous asset to our program. Her experience on and off the court makes her uniquely positioned to help guide our players as they continue to grow, both as athletes and as young women. We are thrilled to have her in this expanded role.”
Mulkey’s vision for LSU women’s basketball has always emphasized creating a culture of excellence, and Augustus’s appointment fits seamlessly within that framework. With Augustus in a leadership role, LSU’s players can expect to receive comprehensive mentorship from someone who has navigated the peaks and valleys of a career in professional basketball.
The Future of LSU Women’s Basketball
The future of LSU women’s basketball is incredibly bright with the addition of Seimone Augustus as the Director of Player Development. Augustus’s impact will not be limited to the players’ growth as individuals but will extend to the team’s success as a whole. As LSU’s coaching staff works to maintain its position as a top-tier program, Augustus’s leadership will be a driving force in ensuring that the Tigers continue to compete for national championships.
With Augustus now in a pivotal role, LSU women’s basketball can look forward to a program that not only builds upon its historical success but also nurtures the development of athletes in every way possible. Augustus’s unparalleled basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and understanding of the demands of elite-level competition will undoubtedly help LSU athletes reach their full potential.
Moreover, Augustus’s presence at LSU is likely to inspire the next generation of players to dream big and achieve greatness. Her return to Baton Rouge represents a full-circle moment for LSU, where the past meets the future, and the legacy she helped build is passed on to the next wave of Tigers.
Seimone Augustus’s return to LSU as Director of Player Development marks a new and exciting chapter in the story of LSU women’s basketball. With her unparalleled experience and deep connection to the program, Augustus will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the players, the team, and the entire LSU community.
For LSU fans, this announcement is a testament to the ongoing commitment to excellence within the women’s basketball program. Augustus’s role will ensure that the Tigers continue to grow both as athletes and as people, as they carry forward the proud tradition of LSU women’s basketball. As the Tigers look ahead, the future of the program shines brighter than ever with Augustus leading the charge toward new successes.
