Not too long ago, one of the most unlikely but interesting comparisons was made between Louisiana State University women’s basketball sensation Flau’jae Johnson’s coach, Kim Mulkey, and one and only Beyoncé. Johnson spoke in an interview to describe Mulkey’s coaching style as beyond creative and even praised how she handled things in regard to her being herself while focusing on what mattered most-the wins.
Flau’jae said it reminds her of Beyoncé because Mulkey is unapologetically confident in her approach to the court and to life, and she makes no bones about what she’s looking for in terms of success. “She don’t care,” she said, referring to Mulkey’s single-minded ability to tune out distractions in her pursuit much as Beyoncé does in the dog-eat-dog world of the music business.
Johnson did make a point of the fact that, for all the pressure associated with major college athletics, Mulkey remains true to herself. And that, he said, is a major reason she is such a successful coach. Mulkey-who guided LSU to its first-ever national title in 2023-has built quite a reputation as an intense, passionate leader who puts significant demands on herself and her players. That fierce commitment has drawn parallels to some of the biggest names in sports and, it seems, now music, too.
Comparing the basketball coach to a global pop icon like Beyoncé might be overreach, but the point Flau’jae makes hits a far bigger cultural truth: both women are testaments of success wrought from hard work, confidence, and staying authentic in a world full of scrutiny. Mulkey’s style, much as Beyoncé’s is, is not to appease the masses but to achieve greatness in their respective fields.
It’s not that hard to notice how much the player respects Mulkey, considering how great the LSU women’s basketball team is with her at the helm. The comparison goes onto Johnson’s desires for her dual pursuits of basketball and music. Obviously, Mulkey and Johnson toil much in trying to be among the best in their fields, but only that kind of similarities discloses a bond between two souls.
The point of Johnson’s comparison finally comes full circle to the rise of females who make their name in sports and entertainment as themselves, sans apologies, while honing their craft in items of permanence.
