BREAKING: Kim Mulkey, LSU Make Major Move, Host #1 Recruit Sarah Strong for Official Visit
BATON ROUGE, La. — In a clear signal that the LSU women’s basketball program remains in aggressive pursuit of elite talent despite recent turbulence, Hall of Fame head coach Kim Mulkey and her staff have conducted a high-stakes official visit with Sarah Strong, the consensus number-one overall player in the Class of 2024. The meeting, which took place over the weekend in Baton Rouge, underscores Mulkey’s unwavering commitment to keeping the Tigers at the pinnacle of the sport.
Strong, a 6-foot-2 forward from Grace Christian School in Sanford, North Carolina, is the final uncommitted top-tier prospect in the 2024 cycle. Renowned for her unparalleled versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to dominate both inside and on the perimeter, she is considered a program-changing recruit capable of making an immediate All-American impact.
“This visit was pivotal for both sides,” said a source close to the program. “Coach Mulkey is selling the opportunity to be the centerpiece of a championship culture, to play in front of the best fans in the country, and to further a legacy that just added a national title. For Sarah, it’s about finding the system and environment where she can maximize her potential from day one.”
The visit is particularly significant given the current landscape. After winning the 2023 national championship, LSU faced significant roster turnover and has been navigating a period of intense external scrutiny. Hosting the nation’s top recruit demonstrates that Mulkey’s recruiting prowess and the program’s allure remain potent. The Tigers can offer Strong a clear path to major minutes, a national platform, and the chance to learn under one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game.
LSU faces formidable competition for Strong’s commitment. She has also taken official visits to traditional powerhouses UConn and Duke, as well as fellow finalist North Carolina. Each program presents a compelling case: UConn offers unmatched historical success, Duke provides an academic and athletic blend, and UNC represents a strong in-state option.
Analysts believe Mulkey’s pitch centered on fit and opportunity. With the departure of All-American forward Angel Reese to the WNBA, LSU has a glaring need for a dynamic, high-impact frontcourt player. Mulkey can promise Strong a central role in LSU’s high-octane offensive system and a chance to compete for SEC and national titles immediately.
“The message to Sarah was simple: ‘You are the missing piece,'” said recruiting analyst Brandon Clay. “At LSU, she wouldn’t just be a contributor; she’d be the focal point from the moment she steps on campus. That kind of immediate responsibility, coupled with Mulkey’s track record of developing pros, is a powerful combination.”
For LSU, securing Strong’s signature would be a program-defining coup. It would instantly reload the Tigers’ roster for another championship run, send a message of resilience to the rest of the sport, and deliver the ultimate prize of the recruiting cycle. A decision from Strong is expected in the coming weeks.
As the college basketball world watches, Kim Mulkey has made her move. The pursuit of Sarah Strong is a bold statement that LSU’s championship aspirations are evergreen, and the battle for the nation’s top talent is far from over.
