Kim Mulkey, born on May 17, 1962, in Santa Ana, California, is one of the most celebrated figures in women’s basketball history. Now 62 years old, she’s known not just for her championship titles and high-stakes leadership but also for her deeply personal journey—a story of triumph, heartbreak, resilience, and motherhood. Her marriage to Randy Robertson, and the life that unfolded during and after it, forms a powerful chapter in her legacy.
A College Romance Turned Partnership
The story of Kim Mulkey and Randy Robertson began at Louisiana Tech University, where both were standout student-athletes. Mulkey was a rising basketball star while Robertson was the starting quarterback for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Their connection thrived in a high-energy atmosphere built on competition, ambition, and shared dedication to sport.
In 1987, the couple married in a ceremony at First Baptist Church in Louisiana. Their wedding was more than a celebration of love—it marked the union of two high-performing athletes who understood and supported each other’s professional aspirations. It was a partnership that reflected mutual respect, commitment, and an understanding of the pressure that comes with elite-level sports.
Family Life and Parenthood
During their 19-year marriage, Kim and Randy welcomed two children: Kramer and Makenzie. The values of discipline, competitiveness, and perseverance that shaped their parents’ lives were instilled in both.
Kramer Robertson went on to become a professional baseball player, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Makenzie Robertson followed in her mother’s footsteps, playing both collegiate basketball and softball at Baylor University. She later transitioned into coaching, even serving on her mother’s coaching staff.
Despite an intense coaching schedule, Mulkey always prioritized her role as a mother. She regularly attended her children’s games and remained a constant presence in their lives. Her ability to maintain strong family bonds while excelling in one of the most demanding professions in sports is a testament to her strength and time management.
Divorce and Emotional Fallout
In 2006, after nearly two decades of marriage, Kim Mulkey and Randy Robertson divorced. The split was not driven by scandal but rather the kind of emotional and professional strain many dual-career families encounter.
Mulkey has spoken candidly about the heartbreak she experienced during the divorce. In one particularly vulnerable admission, she shared that she would have been willing to give up her coaching career to save her marriage, revealing a depth of devotion to family often unseen behind the coach’s fierce courtside demeanor.
The divorce had ripple effects, particularly for Kramer and Makenzie, who had to navigate their own athletic journeys amid a changing family structure. Nevertheless, Mulkey and Robertson maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship, supporting their children through every step.
Post-divorce, Randy Robertson shifted his professional focus to marketing and consulting. Based in Waco, Texas, he also became involved in local organizations like the Waco Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, maintaining his roots in sports and community work.
A Coaching Career Like No Other
Kim Mulkey’s coaching accolades are legendary. She is the only person in NCAA history to win national championships as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. After leading Baylor University’s women’s basketball team to multiple national titles, she made a highly publicized move to Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2021.
Under her leadership, LSU quickly climbed back into national prominence, and in 2023, the program captured a national championship. Her fierce coaching style, eye-catching sideline outfits, and passionate speeches have become part of her iconic image.
As of 2025, Kim Mulkey is the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in the country. Her current salary package at LSU is estimated to be more than $3.5 million annually. Coupled with endorsements, book deals, and media appearances, her net worth is estimated at around $10 million.
Personal Values and Public Perception
Kim Mulkey’s public image is one of duality. She is often described as intense, demanding, and unapologetically outspoken. While she has faced criticism for her strong opinions and emotional coaching style, those close to her—and her players—see a mentor who pushes others to reach their full potential.
Her parenting style mirrors her coaching philosophy: demanding but deeply loving. Kramer and Makenzie have publicly acknowledged the lessons they learned from their mother, crediting her guidance with helping them stay focused and grounded.
Beyond her immediate family, Mulkey has also navigated a complicated relationship with her own father. While she rarely discusses this aspect of her life, it has influenced her views on loyalty, forgiveness, and the importance of family connection.
Lessons in Resilience and Redemption
Through personal setbacks and public scrutiny, Kim Mulkey has consistently found strength in her purpose. She uses her life experiences—both painful and uplifting—as teaching tools for her players. Whether it’s speaking about perseverance through divorce or the grit required to win a national title, Mulkey never shies away from being real.
Her resilience has not only guided her family but has also shaped generations of athletes. She offers a vision of womanhood that embraces imperfection, demands excellence, and never apologizes for ambition.