Kim Mulkey, the accomplished head coach of the LSU women’s basketball team, was passed over for the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year award, despite leading her team through a competitive and high-profile season. Known for her fiery coaching style and championship pedigree, Mulkey was considered a strong contender for the honor. Her team’s performance kept them in the national spotlight and in serious contention throughout the season. However, the final decision by the Naismith panel pointed to another coach whose impact on the game this season stood out even more. For the second consecutive year, Mulkey finds herself edged out in the race for one of coaching’s most prestigious awards.
The 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year award was ultimately awarded to Dawn Staley, the head coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team. Staley, a veteran leader and former player herself, has solidified her place as one of the most influential figures in the sport. This season, she guided South Carolina to an undefeated regular season and a dominant postseason run, showcasing her ability to develop talent and maintain consistency at the highest level. Her team’s discipline, teamwork, and defensive tenacity were widely praised by analysts and fans alike. The award serves as recognition not only of this season’s success but of her continued excellence in building a basketball dynasty.
Staley’s coaching acumen has been instrumental in elevating South Carolina’s program into a perennial powerhouse. Her players consistently display both mental toughness and on-court maturity, a direct reflection of her leadership. This year’s squad stood out not just in terms of talent, but in their ability to respond to pressure situations with composure and grit. Under her guidance, the Gamecocks have become known for their unselfish play, lockdown defense, and strategic execution. These factors undoubtedly influenced the Naismith committee’s decision to honor her above other elite coaches.
While Kim Mulkey’s LSU team made headlines throughout the season and brought strong competition, it was Staley’s overall body of work that clearly impressed the voters most. Mulkey remains one of the most successful coaches in the sport and will surely be back in the conversation in future seasons. The competition between these elite programs only fuels the growing popularity and intensity of women’s college basketball. Rivalries like LSU vs. South Carolina have become must-watch events, thanks in large part to the brilliance of coaches like Mulkey and Staley. This year, however, it was Staley who rose above the rest to claim the top individual coaching honor.
In receiving the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year award, Dawn Staley not only celebrated a personal achievement but also underscored the growing excellence in the women’s game. Her win is a testament to strategic vision, player development, and the power of cohesive team culture. As women’s basketball continues to thrive, coaches like Staley are pushing the boundaries and setting new standards. The recognition serves as both a crowning moment for her and a benchmark for others aiming to reach the same level of impact. The season may be over, but Staley’s influence on the game will resonate for years to come.
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