LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has announced the appointment of Seimone Augustus as their new Director of Player

iturn0image1turn0image4turn0image5turn0image7Seimone Augustus Returns to LSU as Assistant Coach: A New Chapter in Women’s Basketball

In May 2024, Seimone Augustus, a Baton Rouge native and former LSU women’s basketball star, was appointed as an assistant coach for the LSU Tigers under head coach Kim Mulkey. This move marks a significant milestone in Augustus’s post-playing career and signifies a new era for LSU’s women’s basketball program.

A Storied Playing Career

Augustus’s journey to LSU began in 2002 when she committed to the Tigers as the nation’s top high school prospect. Her impact was immediate; in her freshman season, she led LSU to the Elite Eight and earned National Freshman of the Year honors. Over the next three years, Augustus propelled LSU to three consecutive Final Four appearances (2004–2006), earning multiple National Player of the Year awards, including the Wade Trophy, Naismith Award, and John Wooden Award.

By the end of her collegiate career, Augustus had amassed 2,702 points, making her the second-highest scorer in LSU history. She also set a school record by scoring in double figures in 97 consecutive games. Her jersey, number 33, was retired in 2010, and in 2023, she became the first female student-athlete at LSU to be honored with a statue in her likeness citeturn0search1.

Transition to Professional Basketball

In 2006, Augustus was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. Over her 14-season career, she became one of the league’s most accomplished players, winning four WNBA championships and earning the Finals MVP award in 2011. Augustus was an eight-time All-Star and finished her career with over 6,000 points, ranking among the top 10 all-time scorers in WNBA history citeturn0search1.

Internationally, Augustus represented the United States in three Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016), securing gold medals in each. Her leadership and performance on the court solidified her status as one of the premier players in women’s basketball.

Coaching Career Begins

After retiring from professional play in 2020, Augustus briefly served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2021. Her coaching journey continued with LSU, where she joined Coach Kim Mulkey’s staff as an assistant coach. This role became available following the retirement of Johnny Derrick citeturn0search1.

A Return to Baton Rouge

Augustus’s return to LSU was met with enthusiasm from both the coaching staff and players. Coach Mulkey expressed excitement about bringing Augustus back, highlighting her experience and success at every level of the game. Associate head coach Bob Starkey, who was on staff during Augustus’s playing days, praised her basketball IQ and leadership qualities citeturn0search1.

For Augustus, returning to LSU felt like coming home. She described the opportunity as a chance to reconnect with her roots and contribute to the development of the next generation of players. Her presence on the coaching staff provides current players with a unique perspective from someone who has achieved success at the highest levels of the sport.

Impact on the Program

Augustus’s appointment as an assistant coach is expected to have a profound impact on LSU’s women’s basketball program. Her extensive experience and accolades bring a wealth of knowledge to the team. Players now have the opportunity to learn from a Hall of Famer who has excelled in college, professional, and international basketball.

The addition of Augustus to the coaching staff also underscores LSU’s commitment to building a championship-caliber program. With the guidance of Coach Mulkey and the expertise of Augustus, the Tigers are poised to continue their ascent in women’s college basketball.

Looking Ahead

As Seimone Augustus embarks on this new chapter in her basketball journey, her legacy as a player and her potential as a coach are already inspiring the LSU community. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the enduring bond between a player and her alma mater.

For the LSU Tigers, the future looks bright with Augustus on the bench, ready to mentor and lead the next generation of women’s basketball stars.