LSU's Izzy Besselman Honored on Senior Night Despite Heart Condition

Head coach Kim Mulkey introduced Besselman, who has not played since 2024 due to a rare heart disorder.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:34am

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It was an emotional Senior Night at LSU's Pete Maravich Assembly Center as head coach Kim Mulkey introduced Izzy Besselman, a women's basketball player who has not played since March 2024 due to a rare heart condition called dysautonomia. Besselman, a Baton Rouge native, was honored along with fellow seniors Flau'jae Johnson and Amiya Joyner.

Why it matters

Besselman's story highlights the challenges faced by student-athletes with rare medical conditions, as well as the support and recognition they can receive from their coaches and communities. Her introduction on Senior Night was a touching moment that drew cheers from the LSU fans.

The details

Besselman, a guard for the LSU Tigers, was diagnosed with dysautonomia, a nervous system disorder that causes abnormally high heart rates, during her junior season. Despite trying to train her heart and do Pilates, Besselman's condition prevented her from playing basketball again. However, she remained an integral part of the team, supporting them from the sidelines.

  • Besselman's last game was a second-round victory over Middle Tennessee State in the NCAA Tournament in March 2024.
  • Besselman was introduced and honored on LSU's Senior Night on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Izzy Besselman

A women's basketball player for the LSU Tigers who has a rare heart condition called dysautonomia, which has prevented her from playing since March 2024.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team, who introduced Besselman during the team's Senior Night game.

Kate Besselman

Izzy Besselman's mother, who discussed the challenges of her daughter's rare heart condition.

Amanda Barbee

The LSU associate athletic trainer who worked with Izzy Besselman and her mother to manage her heart condition.

Flau'jae Johnson

A senior on the LSU Tigers women's basketball team who was also honored on Senior Night.

Amiya Joyner

A senior on the LSU Tigers women's basketball team who was also honored on Senior Night.

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What they’re saying

“It meant a lot”

— Izzy Besselman

“It was a lot of really scary things that it could have been, and as it wasn't those things, we were thankful but also a little bit frustrated because we really couldn't determine what it was for a pretty long while.”

— Kate Besselman, Izzy Besselman's mother

“I'm a very functionable patient. I'm just trying to do what a lot of people aren't, and that's play basketball.”

— Izzy Besselman

“I don't know that she ever has really articulated the fact that it's over. I think she knows it, but she's never really, really gone there with us, her parents. I do feel like she feels that she is an integral part of the team, just not out on the court.”

— Kate Besselman, Izzy Besselman's mother

What’s next

Izzy Besselman will continue to support the LSU Tigers women's basketball team from the sidelines as they compete in the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

The takeaway

Izzy Besselman's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of student-athletes facing rare medical conditions. Despite not being able to play, her unwavering support and involvement with the team has made her an integral part of the LSU Tigers' success.