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

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.

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.”

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.

"Look, we're from Louisiana. We like sparkles, we like diamonds, we like Mardi Gras, we like to eat and we like to party." @LSUwbkb @KimMulkey and her players talk about her colorful attire.

"This is probably her best fit." #LSU pic.twitter.com/NUwEskYJHR

— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) March 25, 2023

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.