Cast in Bronze: Santa Ana Honors LSU National Championship Coach Kim Mulkey with Statue and Declares June as ‘Mulkey Month’
In a deeply moving tribute to a woman whose legacy in basketball is matched only by her indelible impact on her hometown, Santa Ana, California has officially honored former basketball standout and LSU national championship head coach Kim Mulkey with a bronze statue in her name. The city also went a step further to commemorate her lasting contributions by declaring the month of June as “Mulkey Month,” a celebration of excellence, perseverance, and community pride.
At 63 years old, Mulkey continues to inspire generations through her work on and off the basketball court. Though widely recognized for her coaching achievements at Baylor and most recently at LSU, where she led the Lady Tigers to a historic NCAA women’s basketball championship in 2023, Mulkey’s journey began in the heart of California. The city of Santa Ana, where she spent her formative years, proudly claims her as one of its own.
The unveiling ceremony of the statue, held at a park near the center of Santa Ana, was an emotional and celebratory event. Hundreds of fans, city officials, former teammates, and community members gathered to pay tribute to Mulkey’s extraordinary legacy. The bronze statue, standing nearly seven feet tall, captures Mulkey in her trademark coaching pose—arms crossed, eyes intense, and a look of resolve that has defined her sideline presence for over two decades.
The artwork was commissioned by the Santa Ana City Council in partnership with the local sports heritage committee. Sculpted by renowned artist Miguel Vargas, the statue took nearly a year to complete and is placed prominently in a civic plaza near City Hall, where it will serve as a permanent reminder of Mulkey’s achievements.
“This is more than just a statue—it’s a symbol of pride for our city,” said Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua during the ceremony. “Kim Mulkey represents everything we want our young people to believe in: hard work, resilience, leadership, and the courage to chase your dreams no matter where you start. Declaring June as ‘Mulkey Month’ is our way of saying thank you, and ensuring her story inspires generations to come.”
Mulkey, visibly moved by the honor, took the podium to reflect on her journey from a small-town girl with big dreams to a four-time NCAA championship-winning coach. “I never imagined something like this,” she said. “This city shaped me. The community, the teachers, the early coaches—they all had a hand in preparing me for the life I’ve lived. Coming back here and seeing this statue is humbling. I hope every kid who walks by it knows they can do something special too.”
Kim Mulkey’s basketball résumé is the stuff of legend. She won a national championship as a player at Louisiana Tech, then as an assistant coach, and later went on to win three national championships as the head coach of Baylor. In 2021, she returned to her home state of Louisiana to take the reins at LSU and, in just her second year, led the Lady Tigers to the program’s first-ever NCAA women’s basketball title. Her coaching style, characterized by tenacity, discipline, and flair, has made her one of the most iconic figures in college sports.
The city’s declaration of “Mulkey Month” includes a lineup of events throughout June, from youth basketball camps and leadership forums to community service days inspired by Mulkey’s values. Local schools and sports organizations are also integrating Mulkey-themed lessons on determination and goal-setting as part of the curriculum.
As the bronze statue shines in the California sun, it stands not only as a tribute to one woman’s achievements but also as a beacon of hope and pride for Santa Ana. It reminds the world that greatness can begin in any neighborhood—and that with passion and perseverance, boundaries can be broken, history can be made, and lives can be forever changed.
Congratulations to Coach Kim Mulkey—a true hometown hero, now forever cast in bronze.
Leave a Reply