“Reward for your year — it’s a reward.” That’s what Kim Mulkey said last year when LSU landed a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. Fast forward to this season, and it’s starting to feel like déjà vu — only this time, Mulkey’s reaction hit a little differently. On Sunday night, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket was dropped on ESPN. Once again, LSU (28-5) grabbed a No. 3 seed — this time in the Spokane 1 Region.

The Lady Tigers hosted a selection show watch party at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. And that’s when things got interesting. A video showed the team’s reaction to the seeding — and Mulkey stole the show. If you’re familiar with Mulkey, you know she’s not one for over-the-top theatrics during selection shows. Sure, she’ll nod in approval, maybe throw in a measured fist pump. But this time? This time, she looked like she just got front-row Beyoncé tickets.

Sitting front and center, the three-time Coach of the Year clapped, threw her hands up, and screamed as LSU’s name popped up on the screen. Then, almost as fast as she jumped up, she sat back down. The business mode kicked in real quick. A tweet pointing out her rare reaction started making the rounds: “I can’t remember Kim Mulkey having this emphatic of a response to a seeding announcement the last few years.” 

To fully appreciate Mulkey’s reaction, let’s look at what led up to it. LSU closed out their season with a solid 28-5 record, anchored by dominant performances from stars like Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams. Yet, they also had some bumps along the way, including a gut-wrenching 65-58 loss to Texas, where Vic Schaefer summed it up perfectly: “I think the game honors toughness, and I thought our kids were really, really tough today.” 

At the time, the committee had LSU ranked No. 6 overall, but that defeat, followed by three more losses in their next six games, saw them slip out of contention for a No. 1 or likely even a No. 2 seed. Meanwhile, teams that had been ranked below LSU in the committee’s previous top-16 reveal gained momentum, stringing together winning streaks and strengthening their cases for higher seeds. So, given the committee’s track record, Mulkey might have expected LSU to be underrated—but when the No. 3 seed in the Spokane 1 Region was announced, the usually composed coach let loose.

What makes things even better is that LSU has pulled off a major achievement in back-to-back seasons. The team has secured a No. 3 seed for the fourth season in a row, maintaining their dominance in the SEC. Her first season ended with a second-round exit. But she made up for it the following year with a national championship win over Caitlin Clark and Iowa. 

Also, turns out it wasn’t just about LSU’s seeding. Mulkey explained that George Mason’s tournament bid played a part. Her close friend Jan’s daughter, Paige Greenberg, plays for George Mason. Their A10 tournament win punched their ticket to March Madness. Mulkey admitted she was thrilled for them and expected her phone to blow up with messages.

Now, LSU will host tournament games, and Mulkey is more than excited. “That 3 seed has been good to us at LSU,” she said. “There’s excitement in the air. I mean, just look at our fans out there, excited. It’s exciting to see who you’re gonna play. It’s exciting to, once again, be exposed on national television. You can’t put a dollar sign on what that means, and to see LSU up there and to see the girls in the video. This is why you play, and only 16 of us get to host.”

Fair to say that she’s fired up.

Kim Mulkey Eyes Another Sweet 16 as LSU Opens March Madness

LSU’s path to another Sweet 16 is set. The Tigers have now earned a No. 3 seed in four straight NCAA tournaments under Kim Mulkey (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) and are aiming for their third straight trip to the Sweet 16. They open March Madness against San Diego State. A win would set up a second-round matchup with No. 6 seed Florida State (23-8) or No. 11 seed George Mason (27-5).

This time, she is not willing to take any risks. After falling to Texas in the SEC tournament on March 8, LSU has focused on getting healthy and finding its rhythm. Mulkey knows her team has the experience to make a deep run. “Three of our starters have national championship rings,” she said. Somaya and POA made big plays off the bench during last year’s championship run. Flau’Jae Johnson also started in that game, so LSU knows what it takes to win in March.

Aneesah Morrow wasn’t on the last few games in the squad, but Mulkey isn’t worried. “Morrow is Morrow — she’s a walking double-double.” Morrow has been rock solid all season, averaging 18.5 points and 13.6 rebounds. Her ability to score and dominate the boards gives LSU an edge against most teams.

Since Mulkey took over in Baton Rouge, LSU has owned the first round. They’ve won all three opening-round games under her by an average of 13 points. Even after a late-season skid, LSU’s size, talent, and experience should give them the upper hand over San Diego State.

LSU’s got the talent and the experience. Now it’s time to back it up.