all scores

Kim Mulkey on NCAA tourney outfits: ‘I do not go pick these things out’

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

img
LSU coach Kim Mulkey donned a pink feather blazer for her team's Sweet 16 contest. (Ken Ruinard/USA TODAY NETWORK)

Kim Mulkey is trying to temper expectations for No. 3 LSU while simultaneously elevating her fashion game during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Tournament.

Mulkey, who is in her second year at LSU after spending 21 seasons at Baylor, has worn a flashy and conversation-sparking outfit for each round of this year’s NCAA Tournament.

img
Fans on social media argued whether Mulkey's sweater during LSU's first-round game said "queen" or "gueen." (Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports)

Asked about her glittering and feathery outfits after LSU defeated No. 2 Utah, 66-63, in the Sweet 16 on Friday, Mulkey credited her stylist, who has been shipping out a new outfit after each win.

“I do not go pick these things out,” said Mulkey, adding that the outfits speak to the personality of her home state.

“Look, we’re from Louisiana, we like sparkles, we like diamonds, we like Mardi Gras, we like to eat and we like to party.”

img
Mulkey wore a black and white polka-dot outfit for LSU's second-round game. (Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports)

Mulkey’s players are keeping score in the locker room.

“We already told her this is probably her best ‘fit,” LSU graduate forward Ladazhia Williams said of Mulkey’s pink-feather outfit on Friday night.

“The whole staff be coming trim. They all be fly. Nobody be liking. They all try to outdo each other,” added All-American forward Angel Reese.

Mulkey isn’t the only head coach to start conversation with her sideline fashion. Last week, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley paid tribute to HBCU basketball history by wearing a vintage Cheyney State jersey for the Gamecocks’ 76-45 win over South Florida.

LSU will meet No. 9 Miami in the Elite Eight on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Hurricanes are just the second No. 9 seed to reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.