One of the most beautiful aspects of sports, especially in the WNBA, is how legends often pass down their wisdom to the next generation. And it’s heartwarming to see young players soak in every piece of advice. Candace Parker and Flau’jae Johnson recently showed an example of a remarkable mentor-mentee relationship.

The 2023 NCAA Champion opened up about her experience playing under Kim Mulkey, who is well-known for her intense coaching style. “It’s going to be cutthroat,” she said, “She’s like, ‘I’m teaching you the way and being hard on you just because I know.’” Johnson totally understands that Mulkey’s tough love stems from a desire to prepare her players well.

As she completed, the 3× WNBA champion chimed in, adding, “Her pushing you is like, how do you know what you can accomplish if it’s not uncomfortable?” She emphasized that athletes, who have always excelled, often have a comfortable ride because they’re so much better than everybody else. However, she cautioned that this could lead to a lack of awareness about your true potential. 

The WNBA legend recalled on Best of Both Worlds with Flau’jae how her coach often made her ‘real uncomfortable’ by pushing her to be better and more efficient. She acknowledged the competitive nature of the sport. Hence, she believes it’s in those uncomfortable moments that you discover what you’re truly capable of. And that’s exactly what the LSU Tigers’ coach does. However, Mulkey’s ‘cutthroat’ nature has always been somewhat of a talk.

Push to perfection: How Kim Mulkey shapes champions

Coach Mulkey has a reputation for being a fierce competitor who demands nothing short of excellence from her players. She often grills her players repeatedly until they master the basics, regardless of their skill level. This approach was evident in her Baylor practices, where players often spent hours on fundamental drills and countless laps. 

Former player Chloe Jackson described these sessions as ‘grueling’ but ultimately rewarding. During a press conference in 2022, Mulkey even spoke candidly about the need for mental toughness, saying, “I push you because I believe in you. If you can’t handle the heat, you shouldn’t be here.” On top of that, she has often called out her team without any hesitation. 

One such incident occurred after her team’s tough loss against Stanford in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, the coach did not shy away from publicly holding her players accountable. Despite it all, former players, like current WNBA stars like Angel Reese, DiJonai Carrington, and NaLyssa Smith, have often spoken about how their coach’s demanding style shaped their careers.

All-American player Lauren Cox has mentioned how Mulkey’s no-nonsense approach helped her develop focus. She recounted the moments when Mulkey would challenge her. This approach can seem harsh, but players often appreciate the toughness in retrospect. Another player, former Baylor standout and WNBA player Te’a Cooper, highlighted how the Hall of Famer instilled a strong sense of discipline in her athletes. All in all, while the HC’s methods may seem a bit cruel, it prepares athletes for success. Certainly, her four National Championship rings are a proof!