National Champion Emily Ward Returns to LSU as Director of Women’s Basketball Operations
In a move that represents both continuity and a fresh chapter for Louisiana State University women’s basketball, Emily Ward—former player and 2023 national champion—has officially joined head coach Kim Mulkey’s staff as the program’s Director of Women’s Basketball Operations. 🐯 The announcement was made in early August 2025 and officially marks the beginning of Ward’s staff role ahead of the 2025–26 season .
A Full-Circle Moment for a Local Hero
Hailing from Bossier City, Louisiana, Ward spent four seasons at LSU (2019–2023), starting as a preferred walk-on and evolving into a fan favorite and team captain. In her senior year, she led the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA national championship—a historic achievement that solidified her legacy at the program. Recognizing her impact on and off the court, Coach Mulkey said, “Her experience as a National Champion and as a 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”
Ward’s rise at LSU is a testament to dedication: she earned a scholarship during shootaround on November 7, 2022, just before the first game of the championship season—a symbolic validation of her work ethic and on-court leadership
What the Role Entails
As Director of Women’s Basketball Operations, Ward steps into a position previously held by long-time program chief of staff Jordin Westbrook, who is transitioning to new opportunities outside basketball. Westbrook had oversight of logistics, promotions, team travel, fan engagement, and other critical behind-the-scenes operations that bolstered LSU’s championship run through top-tier attendance and seamless coordination
Ward’s responsibilities will likely mirror or even expand those logistics and operational duties: coordinating travel, managing administrative workflows, interfacing with marketing and communications, and helping create an environment that supports athletic and competitive excellence.
Beyond Basketball: Broader Leadership Experience
Ward arrives in Baton Rouge with considerable leadership and professional experience beyond her playing days:
- Business Development: After graduation, Ward served as the Director of Business Development for Louisiana Economic Development in Baton Rouge, where she led efforts to attract domestic and international companies to invest in the state—a role demanding strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination).
- Athletics Communications Internship: While at LSU, she interned under the Associate Athletics Director for Communications Michael Bonnette, working on video editing, highlight clips, social media content, and assisting with press conferences for the women’s basketball program .
- Broadcast Analyst: During the 2023–24 season, Ward joined LSU broadcaster Patrick Wright as a color analyst for several games, bringing insight into team history and player perspectives. This role showcased her ability to analyze live action and communicate clearly with fans
Academically, Ward completed her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (digital advertising concentration and business minor) in December 2022, and then earned a Master of Science in Human Leadership and Human Resource Development in May 2024
All of this positions Ward as a unique bridge figure: she brings new leadership skills coupled with deep institutional knowledge and player experience.
Why This Hire Matters
1. Institutional Memory & Program Culture
Ward intimately knows LSU’s culture—its expectations, values, and the ethos instilled by Coach Mulkey. Her presence helps preserve and pass along the qualities that propelled LSU to its first national title.
2. On‑Court Credibility and Player Connection
As a former team captain and championship player, she commands respect and authenticity. Current players and recruits will see a leader who has lived the experience and understands the grind firsthand.
3. Multi-Disciplinary Administrative Experience
Ward’s work in business development and athletics communications gives her cross-functional experience, allowing her to integrate marketing, operations, and strategic planning effectively—skills critical to a well-functioning modern sports program.
4. Female Leadership Development
Her progression from athlete to operations director serves as a powerful example of female leadership and opportunity within collegiate athletics—a narrative that aligns with broader initiatives aimed at growing women’s roles in sports administration.
Looking Ahead: 2025–26 Season Prep
As LSU gears up for the 2025–26 season, Ward joins a team undergoing roster turnover and strategic changes. Transfers like MiLaysia Fulwiley will bring new athletic talents, while returning standouts such as Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams anchor the team’s leadership and production on the court
Ward’s role promises to be central to the behind-the-scenes execution that supports these transitions—ensuring smooth travel, top-level fan engagement, effective promotions, team cohesion, and consistent messaging across platforms and stakeholders.
Personal Reflections and Full-Circle Meaning
In her statement, Ward spoke candidly about the significance of her return: “Growing up in Louisiana, I always dreamed of wearing purple and gold… That dream became my reality… to do it all at LSU… is more than a full‑circle moment. It’s another dream come true!”
For Coach Mulkey, Ward’s hiring represents both continuity and evolution—bringing back a former captain who can now help build structures that enhance the Tigers’ competitiveness both on and off the court.
Final Thoughts
Emily Ward’s appointment as Director of Women’s Basketball Operations marks a symbolic and strategic milestone for LSU women’s basketball. She brings a rare combination of championship experience, operational skills, broadcasting savvy, and leadership training. Given her deep roots in the program and her broad administrative background, Ward appears uniquely qualified to help sustain the Tigers’ momentum and contribute to their next chapter of excellence.
Ward’s return to Baton Rouge—most likely effective from August 2025—underscores a seamless melding of personal aspiration, institutional pride, and professional growth. As LSU prepares for what lies ahead under Kim Mulkey’s leadership, Emily Ward stands poised to play an impactful role in shaping the inside workings of another championship-caliber environment.
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