Kim Mulkey, born on May 17, 1962, in Santa Ana, California, is a name synonymous with women’s basketball excellence. At 62 years old, she stands as one of the most accomplished and fiercely competitive coaches in NCAA history. But beyond her accolades and sideline intensity lies a deeply personal journey marked by love, divorce, single motherhood, and emotional growth. Her story—rooted in family, ambition, and perseverance—reveals the full measure of a woman who has redefined what it means to be a champion on and off the court.
The Beginnings of a Power Couple
Kim Mulkey’s relationship with Randy Robertson began during their college years at Louisiana Tech University. Both were standout student-athletes: Mulkey was a rising star on the women’s basketball team, and Robertson was the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs football team. Their connection developed in an environment filled with drive, competition, and mutual respect for one another’s dedication to sport.
In 1987, they married in a traditional ceremony held at First Baptist Church in Louisiana. For nearly two decades, they built a life centered on athletics, family, and mutual support. Their marriage reflected the union of two people who not only understood the pressure of elite sports but embraced it together.
Raising a Family of Athletes
Kim and Randy welcomed two children, Kramer and Makenzie, who would go on to mirror their parents’ athletic intensity. Kramer Robertson pursued professional baseball and became an infielder in Major League Baseball, having been drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Makenzie Robertson excelled in both basketball and softball at Baylor University before joining her mother’s coaching staff, showcasing not only talent but trust in Kim’s leadership.
Despite the demands of coaching, Mulkey prioritized family. She often traveled to attend her children’s games, showing up in ways that made her presence known and her support unwavering. Her ability to maintain a bond with Kramer and Makenzie through the chaos of a coaching career is a testament to her commitment as a mother.
The End of a Marriage
After 19 years of marriage, Kim Mulkey and Randy Robertson divorced in 2006. The reasons behind the split were complex, driven by a combination of personal and professional strains that are common in families immersed in high-stakes careers.
Mulkey has since opened up about the emotional toll the divorce had on her. In a rare moment of vulnerability, she admitted she would have stepped away from her coaching role if it meant saving her marriage. That revelation offered fans a glimpse into her emotional depth, showing a side of her that contrasted the fierce image seen on the court.
The divorce was not only difficult for Mulkey and Robertson but also for their children, who had to navigate their own athletic pursuits while adjusting to their parents’ separation. Still, both parents maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship. Their focus remained on the success and well-being of Kramer and Makenzie, a testament to their shared values despite their marital differences.
Post-divorce, Randy Robertson shifted gears professionally. He moved into marketing and consulting in Waco, Texas, and remained active in community organizations like the Waco Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame—keeping his connection to athletics alive in a different capacity.
A Coaching Career Unlike Any Other
Mulkey’s coaching career speaks volumes about her passion and competitive edge. She began her rise at Baylor University, where she won three national championships and built a powerhouse women’s basketball program. In 2021, she took the head coaching job at Louisiana State University (LSU), and in just two seasons, she led the Tigers to a national championship in 2023.
She is now the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in the NCAA, with an estimated annual salary of over $3.5 million. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $12 million, the result of her long-standing success in coaching, endorsements, book sales, and public appearances.
Mulkey’s presence on the sidelines is unmistakable—flamboyant outfits, passionate reactions, and a fierce protective nature toward her players. Her intensity is part of her brand, and while it has attracted criticism, it has also earned her respect.
Personal Trials and Public Perception
Known for her outspokenness, Mulkey has often found herself in the spotlight for reasons beyond basketball. She’s faced scrutiny from media and fans alike, particularly for her views on personal and political matters. Still, she remains unapologetically authentic—a quality admired by her players and respected by colleagues.
Mulkey also has a complicated relationship with her own father, which has influenced her views on family, loyalty, and forgiveness. That estrangement has shaped her perspective on parenting and emotional resilience, further deepening her connection with her children and players.
Through it all, Mulkey has managed to turn her personal challenges into fuel. She often draws from her life experiences when mentoring her athletes, teaching them that adversity is not a roadblock but a stepping stone.
A Legacy Beyond the Game
What sets Kim Mulkey apart isn’t just her coaching résumé—it’s the way she integrates personal strength with professional ambition. She has shown that a woman can lead, inspire, and dominate in one of the most competitive arenas while dealing with the same heartbreaks and pressures that many face privately.
Her story is one of complexity: a mother who nurtures, a coach who demands, and a woman who endures. From her marriage to Randy Robertson, her sacrifices as a parent, to her unwavering rise in basketball history, Kim Mulkey exemplifies resilience and reinvention.
