LSU Women's Basketball Loses Coveted Guard to NCAA Transfer Portal

Kailyn Gilbert, a key player for the Tigers, will enter the transfer portal after missing most of the 2025-26 season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a women's basketball game, with the vibrant colors of the LSU Tigers and Arizona Wildcats uniforms overlapping in an abstract composition.The departure of Kailyn Gilbert from the LSU women's basketball program leaves a void in the Tigers' backcourt as they look to build on their recent success.Spokane Today

LSU Tigers guard Kailyn Gilbert will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal and depart Baton Rouge after spending two seasons with Kim Mulkey's program. Gilbert stepped away from the team in November for personal reasons and never rejoined the squad after appearing in only five games across the 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

Gilbert was a talented guard who had the potential to be a key contributor for the LSU women's basketball team. Her departure is a significant loss for the program as they look to build on their recent success under head coach Kim Mulkey.

The details

Gilbert started her college career with the Arizona Wildcats before transferring to LSU prior to the 2024-25 season. In her first season with the Tigers, she averaged 9.1 points per game. However, she missed most of the 2025-26 season due to personal reasons. Now, Gilbert will enter the transfer portal and look to continue her college basketball career elsewhere.

  • In November 2025, Gilbert stepped away from the LSU program for personal reasons.
  • Gilbert appeared in only five games across the 2025-26 season.

The players

Kailyn Gilbert

A 5-foot-8 guard who spent two seasons with the LSU Tigers women's basketball team after transferring from the Arizona Wildcats.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“'KG – I'm gonna try not to get emotional – has been dealing with family issues for a long time. A 22-year-old should not have to be dealing with what she's been dealing with. She needs to help somebody in her family. She's so mature. We just ask everybody to pray for her because she always does the right thing.'”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Tigers Women's Basketball

What’s next

Gilbert will now enter the NCAA Transfer Portal and look to continue her college basketball career at another program. LSU will need to find a replacement for her in their backcourt as they look to build on their recent success under Kim Mulkey.

The takeaway

The loss of Kailyn Gilbert is a significant blow for the LSU Tigers women's basketball team as they look to maintain their momentum under head coach Kim Mulkey. Gilbert's personal issues have led her to enter the transfer portal, leaving a hole in the Tigers' backcourt that they will need to fill in the offseason.