LSU's Kim Mulkey, Flau'jae Johnson Share Hilarious Postgame Moment

The veteran coach and star player exchanged laughs after LSU's blowout win over Texas Tech.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After LSU's dominant 101-47 victory over Texas Tech in the NCAA Women's Tournament, star player Flau'jae Johnson shared a lighthearted moment with head coach Kim Mulkey during the postgame press conference. Johnson jokingly said Mulkey had been coaching "like a hundred years," to which Mulkey quipped back, "You just lost your starting job." The two then expressed mutual respect, with Johnson crediting Mulkey for molding her into the player she is today.

Why it matters

The amusing exchange between the veteran coach and rising star player showcases the close relationship they have developed, as Mulkey has guided Johnson's growth over the past four years at LSU. It also highlights the Tigers' dominant performance to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

The details

LSU cruised to a 101-47 victory over Texas Tech, led by Johnson's 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. The Tigers led by as much as 56 points and shot 56% from the field, setting a new women's Division I record with their 16th 100-point game of the season. Johnson was emotional when Mulkey subbed her out in the fourth quarter, with the home crowd cheering her on in her final game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

  • LSU beat Texas Tech on Sunday, March 23, 2026 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women's Tournament.

The players

Kim Mulkey

The 63-year-old head coach of the LSU women's basketball team, who has over 35 years of coaching experience including over two decades at Baylor before joining LSU in 2021.

Flau'jae Johnson

The 22-year-old senior guard for the LSU women's basketball team, who finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the win over Texas Tech.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's an honor. She's been coaching for like a hundred years.”

— Flau'jae Johnson, LSU Senior Guard

“You just lost your starting job.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach

“I learned so much from Coach Mulkey. She really molded me into the player I am today, honestly. Me from my freshman year to now, my mental (toughness), that's all a testament to Coach Mulkey.”

— Flau'jae Johnson, LSU Senior Guard

What’s next

LSU will face No. 3 seed Duke in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women's Tournament.

The takeaway

The lighthearted exchange between veteran coach Kim Mulkey and star player Flau'jae Johnson showcased the close relationship they have developed, as Mulkey has guided Johnson's growth over the past four years at LSU. Their bond was on full display as LSU cruised to a dominant victory to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.