LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson and head coach Kim Mulkey have built a uniquely strong bond, one that mixes playful jabs about outfits with deep, heartfelt loyalty. While Mulkey has publicly praised Johnson’s decision to remain at LSU for her entire four-year career, their connection goes far beyond a typical player-coach dynamic, creating a foundation for success both on and off the court.

Flau’jae Johnson and Kim Mulkey Share Heartfelt Exchange

The relationship between the two began with a significant leap of faith. After leaving Baylor to rebuild the LSU program, Mulkey made Johnson her first-ever McDonald’s All-American recruit from the Class of 2022.

At the time, Johnson’s decision was a gamble on a coach who had yet to establish her footing at a new school. “She was the first one I signed here, and really, what did we have to sell at that time? You know, we were just starting,” Mulkey explained.

That gamble quickly paid off. During Johnson’s freshman year in 2023, she helped lead the Tigers to their first-ever national championship, averaging 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game and earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. The on-court success solidified a partnership that had already shown signs of being special.

Mulkey has consistently supported Johnson’s rap career, encouraging her to pursue music even when other schools hesitated, which further strengthened their trust.

Beyond basketball, their relationship is defined by a playful and humorous dynamic. Johnson recently earned over a million views on Instagram for a viral video in which she mimicked Mulkey in the coach’s office, showcasing their easygoing rapport. This lightheartedness, however, is built on a foundation of profound mutual respect. In a recent heartfelt exchange, Johnson responded to Mulkey’s emotional praise by tweeting, “There’s no place I’d rather be, Geaux Tigers 4ever.”

There’s no place I’d rather be 🫶 Geaux Tigers 4ever https://t.co/lPi4tryKT1

— Flaujae 4️⃣ (@Flaujae) September 25, 2025

The message was a reply to Mulkey’s comments about the rarity of Johnson’s loyalty in today’s college sports landscape. “You’re not going to see many kids stay four years anymore at schools. For her to stay all four years speaks volumes about how much she loves LSU,” Mulkey said.

“I certainly will never, ever take her for granted. I will always have a special place in my heart for her.” The admiration is clearly mutual. Johnson has written, “I love this lady with all of my heart. She has made me better in so many ways. I am forever grateful to have Kim Mulkey.”

Mulkey echoed that sentiment in an interview with Teen Vogue, stating, “Everybody needs to have the pleasure of coaching Flau’jae Johnson. She makes our life so joyful.”

Ultimately, their bond represents a rare combination of complete trust and genuine loyalty in college basketball, one that has already created an enduring legacy for both a star player and her celebrated coach.