Breaking News: LSU Tigers women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey Has Been Rushed To The Hospital After Suffering A Heart Failure.
In a stunning and profoundly worrying incident, LSU Tigers women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey was hospitalized early this morning after suffering a suspected heart failure. The Hall of Fame coach, noted for her aggressive sideline presence and transformative impact on the team, was allegedly attending a preseason staff meeting at LSU’s basketball facility when she developed acute chest pain and shortness of breath.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the site, and Mulkey was promptly brought to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, where she remains under strict supervision.
Details surrounding the incident remain fluid, but LSU Athletics confirmed the hospitalization in a brief statement released midday: “Coach Kim Mulkey experienced a medical emergency earlier today and is receiving care at a local hospital. We ask for privacy for Coach Mulkey and her family during this time, and we will provide updates as appropriate.” The statement did not specify the nature of the medical event, but multiple sources close to the program told ESPN that Mulkey complained of heart-related symptoms before losing consciousness briefly. Medical personnel at the facility administered immediate CPR and stabilized her condition before her transport.
Mulkey, 61, is one of the most accomplished characters in women’s collegiate basketball history. A three-time NCAA champion coach—leading Baylor to victories in 2005, 2012, and 2019—she took over LSU’s program in 2021 and rejuvenated the Tigers, taking them to their first national championship in 2023. Her aggressive coaching approach, tactical skill, and unabashed demeanor have made her a contentious yet generally regarded figure in the sport. News of her illness has unified the basketball world, with rival coaches, players,
The Emergency Response and Current Condition
According to witnesses, Mulkey was engaged in a typical preseason strategy session with assistant coaches when she began expressing indications of discomfort. “She paused mid-sentence, grasped her chest, and stated she felt lightheaded,” a staff member told anonymously. “Someone called 911 immediately. It was terrifying—everyone went into action.”
Cardiologists unaffiliated with Mulkey’s case have theorized that the stress of high-pressure coaching, combined with the physical and emotional demands of the job, could contribute to cardiac episodes.
“Coaching at this level is an around-the-clock commitment,” said Dr. Marcus Allen, a sports medicine specialist. “Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and the adrenaline spikes during gaming create a perfect storm for heart health risks, especially in older adults.” Mulkey, who has never publicly acknowledged any preexisting heart issues, has long been lauded for her rigorous work.
Mulkey’s Legacy and Health Advocacy
Mulkey’s career has been defined by shattering barriers. As a player, she won two national titles at Louisiana Tech in the 1980s, becoming one of the first women’s basketball players to receive national prominence. As a coach, she established Baylor into a powerhouse and transformed LSU into a title contender within two seasons.
Her daring design choices—bedazzled coats and vivid outfits—and uninhibited news briefings have made her a cultural phenomenon. But beneath the glitter and grit is a coach who has pushed diligently for her players, campaigning for gender justice in college athletics and championing mental health awareness.
The Road Ahead
While Mulkey’s condition remains uncertain, her influence on the sport is indelible. For LSU, the immediate focus is twofold: supporting Mulkey’s recovery and preparing the team for a season that now carries profound emotional weight. Redus, a respected tactician who has worked alongside Mulkey since her Baylor days, will face immense pressure to maintain stability. Athletic director Scott Woodward has pledged “all necessary resources” to ensure the team’s readiness, but players admit their coach’s absence leaves an irreplaceable void.
Medical experts caution that recovery from cardiac events can be lengthy and unpredictable. Even if Mulkey returns to coaching, she may need to significantly alter her lifestyle to mitigate future risks. Friends close to the coach say she has long prioritized basketball above all else, often sacrificing personal time for film sessions and recruiting trips. “Kim lives for this game,” said a longtime colleague. “But I hope this reminds her—and all of us—that health comes first.”
