LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey is already at work reshaping the roster after a disappointing Sweet 16 exit last season. The Tigers finished with their worst record under Mulkey, prompting an aggressive push in the offseason.
A New Era for the Tigers
The centerpiece of the rebuild is the addition of transfer star Jada Williams, who arrives from Iowa State after a season that saw her average 15.3 points and 7.8 assists, ranking third nationally in assists. Her playmaking should give the team a new dynamic at the point.
Alongside Williams, Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley have secured starting spots, while Laila Reynolds and Chloe Larry bring veteran experience and scoring depth from the transfer portal.
Freshmen recruits Lola Lampley, Noa Morro and Anna Minaeva add fresh talent, with Minaeva bringing a double-digit scoring average and strong rebounding from her previous season.
Departures and Roster Gaps
The departures of key figures such as Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow and Amiya Joyner leave sizable gaps, and Jada Richard’s move to Ole Miss and Kate Koval’s exit for personal reasons related to the Russo-Ukrainian war further thin the lineup.
A Challenging Non-Conference Slate
Despite the losses, Mulkey has scheduled a non-conference slate that pits the Tigers against some of the nation’s elite. Matches against UConn, Villanova, NC State and North Carolina are designed to test the team early and build momentum.
The upcoming showdown with UConn is especially historic, matching the two winningest coaches in women’s basketball history, Mulkey and Geno Auriemma, in a clash that could set the tone for the season.
Mulkey’s vision is clear: replace the veteran stars, integrate the new talent, and use the tough early schedule to forge a competitive unit that can contend for a deep tournament run in 2026-27.