Kim Mulkey is a former basketball player and current head coach of the women’s basketball team at Louisiana State University. As the head coach of Baylor University for over two decades, Mulkey has racked up three national championships, 20 conference titles, and a mind-boggling 611 wins – cementing her status as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
But her illustrious career started long before Baylor, going back to her playing days at Louisiana Tech in the 1980s. It was there under legendary coach Leon Barmore that Mulkey first tasted championship success, helping lead her team to three straight national titles. That winning pedigree she developed as a player would serve as the foundation for the sustained excellence she has brought to the Baylor program ever since.
Kim Mulkey’s Biography
Kim Mulkey was born on May 17, 1962 in Hammond, Louisiana. She grew up in a basketball family as both her parents were high school coaches. Mulkey showed an early passion for the sport from a young age and began playing point guard at Hammond High School where she led her team to three state championships between 1978-1980.
After graduating high school, Mulkey attended Louisiana Tech University where she was a standout player for the legendary coach Leon Barmore. As the starting point guard, she helped lead Louisiana Tech to an astonishing 111-6 record over her four year career (1979-1982). This included three consecutive NCAA national championships from 1981-1982. Mulkey set the school record for assists in her career with 801. She graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1982 with a degree in education.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Kimberly Duane Mulkey |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Hammon, Louisiana |
| Father | Dru Mulkey |
| Mother | Les Mulkey |
| Siblings | 1 Sister |
| Sister | Tammy Mulkey |
| Ex-Husband | Randy Robertson |
| Son | Kramer Robertson |
| Daughter | Makenzie Marie Robertson |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | 5 Feet and 4 Inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (128 lbs) |
| Net worth | $12 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
Husband and Children
Kim Mulkey was previously married to Randy Robertson. The couple divorced in 2006. Mulkey has two children, a daughter named Makenzie and a son named Kramer. She has been very private about her personal life and does not often discuss her family in public.
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Kim Mulkey Net Worth in 2024
Kim Mulkey has an estimated net worth of $12 million as of 2024, according to celebritynetworth.com. A majority of her wealth has been accumulated through her extremely successful coaching career at Baylor University over the past 21 years.
In 2023, Mulkey signed a six year contract extension at Baylor through 2028 that will pay her a base salary of $2.2 million per year, making her one of the highest paid coaches in women’s college basketball. She also earns additional income from endorsements, speaking engagements, and her women’s basketball camps.
Career as a Player
After college, Mulkey was drafted 12th overall by the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters in the 1983 ADA/USBL Draft, playing with the team from 1982–1984. She continued her career professionally in Italy for Petrarca Padova (1984–1985) and Saponare Basket Stabia (1985–1986).
With the US National Team, Mulkey won gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and 1988 Seoul Olympics. She was a vibrant leader at the point guard position, known for her tough defense and playmaking. In 1990, Mulkey was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for her accomplishments as a player.
Successful Journey as a Coach
Mulkey began her coaching career as an assistant at Louisiana Tech under legendary coach Leon Barmore in 1985. She gained valuable experience helping the team win three more national championships.
In 2000, Mulkey accepted her first head coaching position at Baylor University. In her first season, she led the team to a 28–7 record and an Elite Eight appearance. This marked the start of Baylor’s rise to dominance in women’s college basketball over the next two decades under Mulkey’s leadership.
Some of Mulkey’s biggest coaching accomplishments include:
Winning 3 national championships in 2005, 2012, 2019
Appearing in 10 Final Fours
Amassing a remarkable 611-101 record at Baylor for an 85.6% winning percentage
Earning 20 regular season Big 12 titles
Producing 28 WNBA draft picks
Coaching 39 All-Americans and 4 Players of the Year
Mulkey is widely considered one of the greatest coaches ever in women’s college basketball for her sustained success at the highest level. She has built Baylor into a perennial powerhouse and standard of excellence.
Awards and Honors
The achievements and accolades continue to pile up for Mulkey throughout her illustrious career:
- 3x National Coach of the Year (2005, 2012, 2019)
- 2021 WBCA Coach of the Year
- 3x Big 12 Coach of the Year
- Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame (2020)
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2000)
She is one of only five coaches in women’s college basketball history to win three national titles. Mulkey has cemented her status among the coaching giants in all of sports.
Kim Mulkey’s Outfit
Mulkey has become almost as famous for her unique style as her success on the sidelines. She rocks a signature all-black outfit of black pants, black polo shirt or Nike Dri-FIT top, and black-and-white Nike Kyrie Low sneakers for her games.
Her look is simple yet striking and perfectly suits her no-nonsense coaching persona. It also provides a sharp contrast to the colorful team attire of her players. Mulkey keeps things professional but adds her own bold flair. Fans and media have called her outfit iconic in women’s hoops.
Salary in 2024 and Other Earnings
As mentioned earlier, Mulkey signed a lucrative six year extension at Baylor through 2028 that pays her a base salary of $2.2 million annually. This total salary of over $13 million makes her one of the highest paid coaches in college sports.
Additionally, Mulkey earns outside income from endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Gatorade. She owns and operates the Kim Mulkey Elite Team Girls Basketball Camp each summer which brings in 6 figures. Speaking engagements and appearances further supplement her multi-million dollar earnings.
With three national titles already and Baylor positioned as a perennial power, Mulkey’s salary will likely continue rising as long as the team’s success sustains. She has undoubtedly capitalized on her status as a premier name in the women’s game.
5 Things to Learn From Kim Mulkey
Develop a winning mindset. Mulkey carried a championship mentality from her playing days over to coaching. She demands excellence and cultivates a culture of success.
Recruit elite talent. Baylor recruits among the best classes in the nation year after year thanks to Mulkey’s connections and reputation for developing players.
Pay attention to in-game details. Mulkey is a master tactician and makes strategic adjustments to gain any advantage possible over opponents.
Work relentlessly. There are no shortcuts to elite achievement. Mulkey’s commitment to preparation, scouting, and player development fuels Baylor’s dynasty.
Stay confident in your philosophy. Mulkey has proven doubters wrong by sticking to her original uptempo style which perfectly suits Baylor’s roster of athletic stars.
Social Media Accounts
Mulkey leverages social media to promote her brand and Baylor program to over 100k followers collectively:
Twitter: @CoachKimMulkey – 75.3k followers
Instagram: @coachkimmulkey – 7,400 followers
She regularly posts about games, team accomplishments, and gives fans behind-the-scenes access. Social media is a valuable tool for any high-profile coach today to connect and engage with both current and prospective players.
kim Mulkey height age weight
Kim Mulkey stands at 5 feet 4 inches tall and currently weighs around 58 kg (128 lbs). She was born on May 17, 1962, so her current age in 2024 is 61 years old. Mulkey has maintained an athletic build throughout her playing days in the 1980s and into her coaching career spanning over three decades. Even at 61, she remains in great physical condition to actively demonstrate drills and skills to her players.
kim Mulkey controversy
As with many high-profile coaches, Mulkey has faced some controversy over the years:
In 2021, she received backlash for comments criticizing players who kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality. This stirred up accusations of being insensitive to social/political issues.
Cases of verbal and physical abuse were alleged against Mulkey during her time as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech in the 1980s and early 90s by former players. No legal charges were ever brought forth.
Some former Baylor players transferred away and made cryptic social media posts perceived by some as criticism of Mulkey’s old-school coaching intensity and disciplinary tactics.
In the early 2000s at Baylor, Mulkey came under scrutiny for allegedly recruiting a player still enrolled at another school, though the NCAA ruled no violations occurred.
However, Mulkey still enjoys immense support from Baylor’s administration and the vast majority of her former players who credit her for their success. Overall, she largely avoided major scandal given her long tenure at one program. Controversy is an inevitable part of such a high-profile career.
Kim Mulkey’s Coaching Philosophy
At the core of Mulkey’s approach is an emphasis on tough man-to-man defense and a fast-paced transition offense. She believes strongly in exploiting mismatches and creating easy baskets by pushing the tempo.
Baylor teams notoriously play full-court press defense the entire game, using height, length and athleticism to disrupt opponents. Offensively, they look to overwhelm opposing defenses with waves of scorers on unselfish cutting and passing.
Mulkey stresses fundamentals like dribbling, footwork and shooting but gives her ultra-talented rosters freedom within the system. She recruits one-and-done caliber pro prospects who fit her style perfectly.
Leadership and Player Development
While demanding excellence, Mulkey fosters strong personal relationships with her “kids” as she calls them. She embraces a motherly role and support system for players away from home. The family-like culture aids their mental strength and chemistry.
Mulkey has sent countless players to the WNBA, including Brittney Griner, Odyssey Sims and Kalani Brown. She develops well-rounded individuals focused on academics as well as basketball. Many former players remain in close contact years after graduation.
Her leadership qualities and Hall of Fame credentials make Mulkey enormously respected across the women’s game. Coaches regularly seek her advice and experience as a mentor and innovator. She leaves an indelible positive impact through player development.
Assessing Kim Mulkey’s Legacy
With over 600 wins, 3 national titles and over 20 conference championships in 21 seasons at Baylor, Mulkey indisputably cemented herself among the GOAT coaches in women’s college basketball.
She transformed a once mediocre program into a perennial powerhouse on par with UConn and Tennessee. Her dynastic success raising the profile of Baylor and Waco as a whole cannot be overstated.
Though still active, Mulkey has locked up her eventual enshrinement in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame based purely on her sustained accomplishments at the game’s highest level. Future generations will study and appreciate her coaching genius.
No coach has dominated for as long as Mulkey in the cutthroat world of women’s college hoops. Her legacy as the architect of one of sports’ greatest modern dynasties is secure.
FAQs
What is Kim Mulkey’s net worth?
Kim Mulkey has an estimated net worth of around $12 million as of 2024.
What is Kim Mulkey currently doing?
Kim Mulkey is currently the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Baylor University, a position she has held since 2000.
Is Kim Mulkey the highest-paid college women’s basketball coach?
Yes, with her current contract paying $2.2 million per year, Kim Mulkey is the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball.
How has Kim Mulkey contributed to women’s college basketball?
Mulkey has made immense contributions through her sustained success and championships at Baylor, elevating the profile of the program and sport. She is considered one of the greatest coaches in women’s college basketball history.
Final Words
Kim Mulkey is considered one of the greatest coaches in women’s college basketball history. She has amassed an incredible 611 wins over her 21 seasons as the head coach at Baylor University. During her time in Waco, Mulkey has transformed Baylor into a perennial powerhouse, leading them to three national championships, 20 conference titles, and 10 Final Four appearances. Her sustained success elevating Baylor to elite status year after year is unprecedented in the women’s game.
But Mulkey’s winning pedigree was established long before coming to Baylor. As a player at Louisiana Tech in the 1980s, she won three national titles under legendary coach Leon Barmore. Mulkey began her coaching career as an assistant at Tech, helping them capture three more championships. She has carried the championship mentality and leadership skills developed in her playing days into building one of sports’ greatest modern dynasties as the head coach of the Baylor Lady Bears.
