Breaking: Former LSU Tigers women’s basketball legend Seimone Augustus returns to her alma mater as an assistant coach.
In a monumental development for LSU women’s basketball, Seimone Augustus, one of the program’s most iconic figures, has returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach under head coach Kim Mulkey. This move not only signifies a personal homecoming for Augustus but also marks a new chapter in her illustrious career, transitioning from a celebrated player to a mentor and coach.
Seimone Augustus’s journey to basketball stardom began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Capitol High School. Her exceptional talent on the court led her to LSU, where she became a transformative figure in the program. From 2004 to 2006, Augustus led the Tigers to three consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances, solidifying LSU’s status as a national powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Her individual accolades during this period were numerous, including being named the Associated Press National Player of the Year in 2006 and earning All-America honors in each of her four years at LSU.
After a standout college career, Augustus was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. Over her 14-year professional career, she became one of the league’s most accomplished players, winning four WNBA championships and earning eight All-Star selections. She also represented the United States in three Olympic Games, securing gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
Following her retirement from professional basketball in 2020, Augustus began to explore opportunities in coaching. In 2021, she served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks, gaining valuable experience on the sidelines. Her transition into coaching was further influenced by her longtime mentor, Bob Starkey, who was an assistant coach during her playing days at LSU. Starkey’s guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in Augustus’s decision to pursue a coaching career.
In May 2024, Augustus’s journey came full circle when she was appointed as an assistant coach for LSU women’s basketball. Head coach Kim Mulkey expressed her enthusiasm about Augustus’s return, highlighting her extensive experience and the invaluable perspective she brings to the team. Mulkey stated, “As a player at LSU, Seimone helped transform the program as the best player in the nation. She brought LSU to national prominence. She will be a tremendous member on our staff as someone with great experience who has excelled at every level of the game from high school in Baton Rouge to college to the WNBA to the Olympics.”
Augustus’s return to LSU is not just a personal milestone but also a strategic move for the program. Her deep understanding of the game, combined with her experience at the highest levels, provides the Tigers with a unique advantage. She is expected to play a significant role in player development, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the court and serving as a mentor to the next generation of athletes.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Augustus’s impact extends to her community and the sport as a whole. In 2023, she became the first female student-athlete at LSU to have a statue erected in her honor, a testament to her lasting legacy at the university. Her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 further solidified her status as one of the game’s greats. Later that year, she was also inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and was set to be enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October 2024.
As Augustus embarks on this new chapter as an assistant coach at LSU, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and coaches alike. Her story exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the enduring bond between a player and her alma mater. With her return, LSU women’s basketball not only gains a seasoned coach but also reconnects with a legend whose influence will undoubtedly shape the program’s future success.
