Game Day Glam: Coaches Edition
As March Madness starts this week, we are eager to see which teams will make or break our brackets and to see coaches' sideline style. In celebration of our favorite part of March, here are some NCAA Women's basketball coaches known for their exceptional coaching and signature fashion.
Kim Mulkey and her Southern Fashion
Kim Mulkey wearing a solar system-like blazer during LSU v South Carolina 2025 (Getty Images)
Known for her bold fashion sense and expressive reactions, Kim Mulkey, head coach of the Louisiana State University Tigers, defines southern fashion.
Coach Mulkey began her coaching career in 1985 as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech, where she spent eleven years before being promoted to assistant head coach for an additional four years. She then served as the head coach at Baylor University for 21 seasons. However, she became particularly recognized for her fashion sense when she took over the program at LSU in 2021. In 2023, she led her team to their first-ever National Championship, showcasing her coaching skills and distinctive style.
“We’re from Louisiana, we like sparkles, we like diamonds, we like Mardi Gras, we like to eat, and we like to party.”
Mulkey never fails to dress for the occasion. She is especially known for her bold, colorful blazers and matching pantsuits. From animal prints to basketball-themed designs, she is always snatching the eyes of the crowd.
Kim Mulkey and her amazing fashion fits (Getty Images)
Sydney Carter: “Pink Pants Coach”
Sydney Carter rocking an all-white fit (Getty Images)
Sydney Carter is a retired basketball star who couldn’t stay away from the court. After playing for Texas A&M, she entered the WNBA, where she played for several teams, including the Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, and Atlanta Dream. Now, she finds herself on the sidelines as a coach for the University of Texas. When it comes to style, Sydney does not mess around, proving once again she has that southern charm.
In 2022, Coach Carter made a statement by wearing pink leather pants and sharp heels on the court to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Although she faced backlash for her bold outfit, Carter seized the opportunity to empower women, demonstrating that they can be themselves no matter where they are. Today, she is known for her eye-catching outfits and standout heels, often wearing flashy ensembles on the court.
Pink Pants Coach Viral Picture (@glamour)
She collaborated with OLARSGRACE to promote a blend of fashion and sport. We love Sydney for her passion for fashion and empowerment.
“This collection is a celebration of the bold and confident woman, merging the worlds of fashion and sports into a seamless symphony of grace and strength.”
Niele Ivey: The Green Queen
Niele Ivey is Notre Dame's current head coach and has held this position for the past five years. In 2023, she was honored with the ACC Coach of the Year award. In addition to her well-deserved coaching trophy, she deserves recognition for her stunning fashion choices on the court.
Our favorite thing about Coach Ivey? Her ability to pull off every shade of green there is. Some of our favorite ensembles that Coach Ivey has put together feature her stunning green outfits, which are perfect for Notre Dame. Coach Ivey can genuinely pull off anything; these looks are a testament to that. Her forest green matching two-piece set, mint green pantsuit, and lime green dress all highlight how well she wears green.
Niele Ivey and her various shades of green (Getty Images)
And can we talk about her recent addition of beautiful red hair? Coach Ivey truly stuns us with her flawless hair and style every time.
Dawn Stanley: Designer and Supportive Icon.
Dawn Stanley wearing Gucci on the court (Getty Images)
Dawn Stanley has a different style than the others, but she captivates us just as much. Coach Stanley has been head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks since 2008. She has three NCAA national championships as a coach and three Olympic gold medals from her playing days.
Coach Stanley demonstrates her greatness as a player and coach through her awards and showcases her styling skills through her wardrobe. Often seen wearing many designers such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, Coach Stanley is known for her sporty-chic looks.
The necklace that Coach Stanley has been wearing for some time adds the cherry on top to her style. In partnership with Aflac, she made a necklace with a little girl named Blakley at the UVA Health Children’s Hospital, making her style meaningful and even more unique.
“It gives me perspective. I mean, what we do is coach this game or play this game when so many other people are going through much deeper things than us, and they have a much better outlook on it.”
We absolutely love seeing Coach Stanley’s designer clothes paired with the colorful beaded necklace on our screens.
Dawn Stanley and her necklace (Getty Images)