LSU’s Kim Mulkey Honors Marsha Sharp, Texas Tech Women’s Basketball

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 22, 2026 3:36 PM ET

Below are the key facts and details extracted from the source material.

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Kim Mulkey arrived at Baylor as head coach in 2000.
Baylor had finished last in the Big 12 before her arrival.
Mulkey turned the program around, and four years later Baylor won its first national title.
Marsha Sharp, then Texas Tech coach, visited Mulkey and offered mentorship.
Sharp advised Mulkey to “compartmentalize” and cope with losing over time.
Mulkey recalled other Big 12 coaching figures who influenced her career.
Named peers included Jody Conradt, Bill Fennelly, Deb Patterson, and Sherri Coale.
Mulkey was preparing to face Texas Tech in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Krista Gerlich is the Texas Tech coach and a former player under Sharp.
Mulkey praised Gerlich as a product of the Sharp era and her coaching work.
Gerlich remembered Mulkey as kind, humble, and supportive as an assistant.
Both Mulkey and Gerlich coached their daughters and discussed balancing family and work.
Gerlich said Mulkey emphasized “family is always first” to balance coaching and parenting.
Gerlich described Mulkey as a strong coach and a caring mother.

Kim Mulkey reflected on early lessons as LSU prepared for a postseason matchup. She credited mentors who shaped her coaching path.

Early doubts and a pivotal visit

Mulkey admitted to doubts after taking the Baylor job. The team had just finished last in the Big 12.

Before a meeting between the programs, Marsha Sharp visited Mulkey’s office. Sharp encouraged her to compartmentalize and keep perspective.

Mulkey named several conference coaches who inspired her. Those included Jody Conradt and Bill Fennelly.

She also cited Deb Patterson and Sherri Coale. Mulkey said learning from peers pushed her to build a better program.

Mulkey arrived at Baylor in 2000 and began rebuilding. Four years later, Baylor celebrated its first national championship.

The recovery highlighted how mentorship and persistence can change a program’s fortunes. Mulkey often referenced that lesson.

Krista Gerlich played under Marsha Sharp and now leads Texas Tech. Mulkey praised Gerlich’s work reviving the Lady Raiders.

Gerlich credited Mulkey with early kindness while they worked as assistants. She also recalled receiving encouragement after Baylor’s early success.

Both coaches have navigated parenting while leading programs. Mulkey told Gerlich that family must come first.

Gerlich said Mulkey’s advice resonated because both coached their daughters. She described Mulkey as a strong coach and caring mother.

LSU’s Kim Mulkey acknowledged Marsha Sharp’s role in her development. The exchange underscores the lasting bonds within women’s college basketball.