The LSU basketball women’s team has been one of the biggest stories in college sports over the past few years. Known for their talent, style, and fire, the Lady Tigers have changed the landscape of women’s college basketball. From winning a national championship in 2023 to battling injuries and intense media attention in 2025, LSU’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
With head coach Kim Mulkey at the helm, LSU basketball women have built a powerhouse that now stands at a crossroads. A mix of superstar players, high expectations, off-court headlines, and growing pressure have defined this past season. As the dust settles, fans, analysts, and recruits are asking: What’s next for LSU?
How LSU Basketball Women Took Over the Spotlight
When Kim Mulkey joined LSU in 2021, she brought more than just coaching experience. She brought championship DNA, a bold personality, and a vision for greatness. The 2023 NCAA title proved her plan was working.
That team, led by star forward Angel Reese, became the face of college women’s basketball. Known for their flashy style, fierce competitiveness, and viral celebrations, they drew record crowds and media coverage. LSU basketball women weren’t just playing the game—they were changing it.
In 2024 and early 2025, LSU remained in the national spotlight, not only for their wins but also for their drama. Social media spats, transfer rumors, and tense press conferences made headlines. Some critics called it a distraction. Supporters said it showed passion. Either way, LSU women’s basketball was always at the center of attention.
Key Players Who Defined the 2024–25 Season
Angel Reese: The Heart and Soul
Angel Reese, also known as “Bayou Barbie,” continued to be the team’s emotional leader. She brought intensity on the court and confidence off it. Reese averaged a double-double once again and led the Tigers in both scoring and rebounding. Her presence in the paint was unmatched, and her impact stretched far beyond basketball.
But with fame came criticism. Reese faced pressure from all angles—media, fans, and even opposing coaches. She responded with fierce play and viral moments, never backing down.
Flau’jae Johnson: Rising Star and Team Anchor
Sophomore guard Flau’jae Johnson showed major growth this season. Not only did she improve her shooting and defense, but she also became a key vocal leader. Johnson, who is also a rising hip-hop artist, balanced her dual careers with impressive maturity.
She often stepped up when the team needed a spark and had several clutch performances late in the season. Her ability to lead by example kept LSU grounded during tough stretches.
Hailey Van Lith: A Transfer with High Hopes
When former Louisville star Hailey Van Lith transferred to LSU, expectations were sky-high. Known for her fiery personality and sharp shooting, Van Lith was supposed to be the missing piece for another championship run.
However, she struggled at times to find her rhythm in the new system. Chemistry issues and a shift in her role on the team led to inconsistent play. Still, her competitiveness and big-game experience proved valuable in key matchups.
The Highs and Lows of the 2024–25 Season
The season started with LSU ranked in the top five and considered a Final Four favorite. The Tigers dominated in non-conference play, showing off their speed, depth, and scoring ability. But once SEC play began, things got bumpy.
Close losses, off-court rumors, and injuries tested the team’s resilience. A midseason loss to South Carolina exposed some defensive weaknesses. Media speculation about locker room tension grew louder. Kim Mulkey fiercely defended her players, but the noise never fully went away.
Despite the drama, LSU finished the regular season strong and secured a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight but fell short in a hard-fought game against a red-hot UConn team. The loss ended their title hopes but showed how far they’d come.
Off-Court Headlines That Shaped the Narrative
Off the court, LSU basketball women were just as headline-worthy. From Angel Reese’s social media stardom to Coach Mulkey’s heated interviews, the team was constantly in the spotlight.
Mulkey, never one to hold back, clashed with reporters and critics on multiple occasions. She called out unfair treatment of her players and even took aim at NCAA policies she felt were outdated or biased. Some praised her for defending her team. Others thought she stirred the pot too much.
Meanwhile, the players embraced their fame. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals made several LSU stars millionaires. Angel Reese became a fashion icon, appearing in magazines and commercials. Flau’jae Johnson dropped new music and performed at major events. The blending of sports and entertainment became a major theme.
But with that spotlight came more scrutiny. Any misstep—on or off the court—was amplified. It became clear that being a part of LSU basketball women meant more than just playing ball. It meant managing fame, criticism, and expectations every day.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for LSU Basketball Women?
As the 2025 offseason begins, LSU faces some big questions.
- Will Angel Reese enter the WNBA Draft? Many expect her to make the leap, especially after another strong year. If she does, it will mark the end of a historic college career.
- Can Kim Mulkey reload and refocus the team? Recruiting never stops, and Mulkey has a track record of landing top talent. A fresh start may be just what the program needs.
- What role will the returning players take? Flau’jae Johnson is likely to be the face of the team moving forward. Others, like Mikaylah Williams and Aalyah Del Rosario, could become breakout stars.
- Will LSU change its approach to team chemistry and media handling? Some believe the program needs to calm the chaos and focus on fundamentals. Others argue that the fire is what fuels their success.
One thing is certain—LSU basketball women are here to stay. The brand is too strong, the talent too deep, and the leadership too bold to fade into the background.
Kim Mulkey’s Legacy and Continued Mission
Coach Kim Mulkey remains one of the most polarizing figures in college sports. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying her impact. In just a few seasons, she’s turned LSU into a national brand, brought home a title, and changed the way people talk about women’s hoops.
Her colorful jackets, fiery sideline demeanor, and unfiltered quotes make her a media magnet. But beneath all that is a coach who demands excellence and defends her team with everything she’s got.
The 2025–26 season will test her again. New players, shifting dynamics, and a fanbase hungry for more will raise the stakes. But Mulkey has never backed down from a challenge—and she’s not about to start now.
Final Thoughts: LSU Basketball Women Redefine the Game
The LSU basketball women’s team has done more than win games—they’ve redefined the role of college athletes. They’ve blurred the lines between sports, culture, and media. They’ve inspired a new generation of fans who see themselves in players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson.
Yes, the past season had its share of drama. But it also showed strength, courage, and the power of staying true to yourself.
As the program moves forward, one thing is clear: LSU basketball women are not just part of the game—they’re changing it.
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