🐯 Full Circle: Kim Mulkey Welcomes Former LSU Star Back in New Role
BATON ROUGE, La. — In a powerful moment of full-circle symbolism, Hall‑of‑Fame head coach Kim Mulkey has officially welcomed former LSU standout and 2023 national champion Emily Ward back to the Tigers’ family, this time as the program’s new Director of Women’s Basketball Operations. The announcement has been met with immense excitement, both from Mulkey personally and across the LSU fan community.
A Relationship Rooted in Championship History
Emily Ward’s journey at LSU was marked by persistence and growth. Originally joining the team as a preferred walk-on in 2019, she worked her way up through hard work and was eventually named team captain during the Tigers’ first-ever NCAA National Championship run in 2023. Her prestige as a beloved alum and leader made her the perfect choice to return in a staff role.
“It’s more than a full‑circle moment,” Mulkey said of Ward’s return. “Her experience as a National Champion and as team captain during her playing career will be instrumental in her new role. We’re fortunate to have Emily return to our family, and I can’t wait to see her shine in this position!”
Emily Ward: From Player to Operational Leader
Ward brings a blend of insider knowledge and administrative skill. Beyond her playing career, she gained valuable experience in athletics communications, filming highlight content and aiding press-related events as an intern an LSU under the Associate Athletics Director. Additionally, her post-college professional work included a role in business development for Louisiana Economic Development, giving her strong leadership and organizational capability.
During the 2023–24 season, she also contributed as a color analyst for women’s basketball radio broadcasts, further showcasing her basketball intellect and ability to connect with an audience.
What This Means for LSU and Mulkey’s Program
Kim Mulkey’s decision to bring Ward into a pivotal operational role underscores a broader philosophy: valuing culture and championship character as foundations for sustained success. The position of Director of Women’s Basketball Operations is critical—it helps manage travel logistics, team events, scheduling, and community engagement—allowing the coaching staff to focus on on-court preparation.
Ward’s presence reinforces LSU’s identity as a championship-caliber program and sends a strong message: leadership and legacy matter. Drawing on her firsthand experience as a national champion and team captain, she brings authenticity and credibility that resonates deeply with current players and recruits.
Leadership Style: Eyes on the Future
Mulkey’s decision reflects another layer: the cultivation of internal leaders who deeply understand the coach’s vision. Ward’s time as a player under Mulkey was shaped by intensity, discipline, and Midwestern-southern grit—hallmarks of Mulkey’s teams. As Ward said:
“Playing for Coach Mulkey pushed me to become the best version of myself… she challenged me and taught me what it means to lead with intensity, discipline, and heart.”
In this new role, Ward will help carry forward that culture—from travel coordination to behind-the-scenes logistics—but also serve as a living example of Mulkey’s leadership philosophy.
A Staff in Transition: Honoring Past and Planning Ahead
Ward’s hiring follows the departure of Jordin Westbrook, Mulkey’s longtime Chief of Staff, who played a central role during LSU’s success leading up to the 2023 national title. While Westbrook’s contributions are still celebrated, bringing in Ward signals a seamless transition grounded in program identity.
Adding a decorated alum with championship pedigree ensures continuity, while also injecting fresh vision into day-to-day operations. As the Tigers prepare for new challenges, including intense SEC competition and roster changes, Ward’s experience, leadership, and commitment to winning culture become vital assets.
A Legacy Renewed and Reinforced
What makes this hire truly compelling is not just Ward’s resume, but the emotional and organizational symbolism. Mulkey, who guided LSU to national glory in 2023, is bringing back someone who lived that championship journey—not as an outsider, but as a point guard, captain, and beloved teammate. Ward’s return reflects the essence of collegiate athletics: growth, community, and continuity.
Mulkey’s statement encapsulates the sentiment best:
“We’re fortunate to have Emily return… her experience as a National Champion and as a team captain… I can’t wait to see her shine in this position!”
Looking Ahead: Impact Beyond the Box Score
As LSU enters the 2025–26 season with renewed hype, a competitive roster that includes MiLaysia Fulwiley, Mikaylah Williams, and Flau’jae Johnson, and championship expectations once again, having Ward in this role strengthens the off-court foundation. Her presence provides operational support while reinforcing the high standards Mulkey expects.
For LSU fans, alumni, and stakeholders, Emily Ward’s return isn’t just a staffing move—it’s a reaffirmation of values: loyalty, leadership, and legacy. It marks the ongoing evolution of a program that Mulkey built from scratch as a titan of women’s college basketball. And as Ward steps into her new role, she carries with her the lessons of champions—and the future potential to shape new ones.
Congratulations to LSU, Kim Mulkey, and Emily Ward on a homecoming that honors the past—and prepares for a future filled with promise.
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