Kim Mulkey on her Louisiana Tech statue: ‘I’ve been blessed’

Kim Mulkey, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, is now immortalized at her alma mater, Louisiana Tech University. A statue dedicated to her extraordinary career was unveiled outside the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, Louisiana, commemorating her impact not only as a player but also as an individual who shaped the landscape of women’s basketball. This momentous occasion, which took place amid cheers and applause from family, friends, alumni, and current players, serves as a fitting tribute to a woman whose basketball journey has been filled with remarkable achievements, both on and off the court.

As she stood before the bronze likeness of herself—capturing her in a pose of triumphant grace, her hands raised in victory—Mulkey took a moment to reflect on the honor, expressing deep gratitude for the path that led her to that point. In an emotional speech following the unveiling, Mulkey remarked, “I’ve been blessed. Blessed to play for a great program, to be coached by incredible mentors, and to have had the opportunity to do what I love. But most of all, I’m blessed to be part of something that’s bigger than me.”

The statue symbolizes more than just Mulkey’s role as a player at Louisiana Tech; it also embodies her indelible legacy as a pioneer for women in sports and a figurehead for women’s basketball programs across the nation. Through the years, Mulkey’s accomplishments have transcended the game itself, and this monument stands as a reflection of her dedication, passion, and commitment to the sport.

Before becoming one of the most celebrated coaches in NCAA history at Baylor University, Kim Mulkey was an exceptional player at Louisiana Tech. Her time as a student-athlete in the 1980s solidified her as one of the best to ever play the game. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Leon Barmore, Mulkey was part of a team that dominated the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Louisiana Tech was one of the few programs that consistently competed at the highest level, and Mulkey was at the heart of their success.

Mulkey’s playing career was nothing short of spectacular. A 5-foot-4 guard, she was known for her speed, tenacity, and defensive prowess. She helped lead the Lady Techsters to an NCAA championship in 1981, and she became the first player in NCAA women’s basketball history to record 1,000 points, 500 assists, and 500 rebounds over her college career. Her playmaking ability, combined with her leadership on the court, earned her a spot on the All-American team and a place in the hearts of Louisiana Tech fans.

Her time in Ruston, Louisiana, was also marked by the formation of a fierce, competitive spirit that would carry through her entire career. She wasn’t just a player for the Lady Techsters; she became the face of the program, setting standards of excellence that would guide the university’s future in women’s basketball.

Mulkey’s time at Louisiana Tech was also notable for the culture of excellence she absorbed from Barmore, who was an incredibly influential mentor in her life. Barmore instilled a sense of discipline, work ethic, and mental toughness in Mulkey that would shape her approach to the game, both as a player and, later, as a coach.

Reflecting on the moment of her statue’s unveiling, Mulkey expressed gratitude for the opportunities she was given during her playing career. She repeatedly spoke about how fortunate she was to be surrounded by inspiring figures throughout her journey, including her teammates, coaches, and the community of Louisiana Tech that supported her.

“I look at this statue, and I think of all the people who helped me along the way,” Mulkey said with tears in her eyes. “None of this happens without them—my teammates, my coaches, and everyone who helped me become the person I am today. I was always surrounded by greatness, and that’s why I stand here today.”

For Mulkey, the statue is not just a personal achievement but an opportunity to inspire future generations of female athletes. The monument stands as a beacon for young women who are passionate about basketball and sports in general, showing them that their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices can lead to greatness. Mulkey, who has since coached multiple NCAA championship-winning teams at Baylor, made it clear that she hopes her statue will inspire women to reach for their dreams—on and off the court.

Her comments reflect her core belief that women’s sports, specifically women’s basketball, should receive equal recognition and respect. Through her successful coaching career, Mulkey has been a tireless advocate for women’s sports, and the statue at Louisiana Tech is yet another step in honoring and promoting that cause.

“It’s important that women’s basketball gets the recognition it deserves,” Mulkey remarked. “We’ve worked so hard to get to where we are today, and seeing young women come up through the ranks and have the same opportunities that I had—it fills me with pride. I want them to know that their dreams are possible. All they have to do is believe and put in the work.”

While Mulkey’s time as a player at Louisiana Tech is often viewed as her defining period, it was her transition to coaching that ultimately cemented her place in the pantheon of greats. After finishing her playing career and competing in the 1984 Summer Olympics, Mulkey embarked on a coaching journey that would see her take the reins at Baylor University, where she would go on to build a dynasty.

In 2000, she was hired as the head coach of Baylor, and under her leadership, the Lady Bears transformed into a powerhouse in NCAA women’s basketball. Her unique coaching style, which emphasizes mental toughness, discipline, and commitment, has shaped some of the most successful teams in the history of the sport.

Mulkey’s coaching career is distinguished by three NCAA championships (2005, 2012, and 2019), and her influence extends far beyond wins and titles. She has been a trailblazer for women in coaching, serving as an inspiration to countless young women who aspire to one day lead their own teams. Mulkey has proven that coaching at the highest level is not exclusive to any gender and that success in the women’s game is just as valuable and impactful as in men’s sports.

For Mulkey, the statue stands as a recognition of her life’s work in basketball—a career that began in the halls of Louisiana Tech and led her to become one of the most respected figures in the sport. It is a tribute to her determination, grit, and resilience in the face of adversity, as well as to her role as a mentor to countless athletes who have come through her programs.

When asked about the significance of the statue, Mulkey said, “It’s not just about me. It’s about all the people who have been part of my journey, whether it’s my family, my teammates, my coaches, or my players. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve worked for.”

Indeed, Mulkey’s statue is a lasting tribute to the people and moments that shaped her as a player and coach. It represents the legacy of a woman who helped elevate Louisiana Tech’s program to the national stage and a coach who is now among the most decorated in NCAA history.

The statue is also an acknowledgment of Mulkey’s deep connection to Louisiana Tech, a place that will always hold a special place in her heart. For those who knew her during her time as a player and those who have followed her career from afar, the statue serves as a reminder of the power of hard work, perseverance, and commitment. The Lady Techsters, and the community surrounding Louisiana Tech, have long regarded Mulkey as one of their own, and this statue is the ultimate tribute to her lasting influence.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Mulkey took one last opportunity to thank those who helped her reach the heights she has achieved. With the statue behind her, Mulkey addressed the crowd with sincerity and humility, saying, “I never thought I would be standing here today, and I’ll tell you why—because this isn’t about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about Louisiana Tech and the people who’ve supported me throughout my life. This statue belongs to all of you.”

The crowd erupted in applause, honoring a woman whose influence has far outstripped the confines of the basketball court. For Mulkey, the statue is not a symbol of personal achievement but a testament to the collective effort that has made her one of the most beloved figures in the world of women’s sports.

Looking toward the future, Mulkey remains committed to the work that first propelled her to greatness. Whether it’s coaching young athletes at Baylor or inspiring the next generation of leaders in women’s sports, Mulkey’s work is far from done. But for now, she takes a moment to pause and reflect on how far she has come—and how blessed she feels to have had the opportunity to do what she loves.

As the statue stands proudly in front of the Thomas Assembly Center, Mulkey’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes, reminding them that greatness is not achieved overnight but is the result of hard work, perseverance, and the support of a community that believes in you.