PHOTO: LSU's Kim Mulkey hits the field with freshmen Grace Knox, Bella Hines amid intense workout session
LSU women's basketball head coach Kim Mulkey is not just having a great time, but making sure she stays fit during the off-season. Mulkey, who has been busy in the recruiting market, had an intense workout session with some of her players, including 2024 recruit Bella Hines.
On Wednesday, Hines shared a photo on her Instagram story, showing her in a workout session at a track with the Lady Tigers head coach and some of her teammates and coaching staff. They include LSU signee Grace Knox, assistant coach Kaylin Rice, freshman guard Jada Richard, four-star recruit Amiya Joyner, and strength coach Thomas Lene.
Ranked as the No. 22 recruit in the country, Hines committed to LSU on April 2, 2024. The five-star recruit had other options, including Iowa, Baylor, Arizona, Florida State, Texas Tech, NC State, West Virginia, TCU, and Kansas State. However, a visit to Baton Rouge for LSU’s first two NCAA Tournament games last year won her over.
“The atmosphere in the PMAC is just crazy. It’s definitely something I’ve never seen before,” Hines said per LSU website. “Everyone is so supportive of girl’s basketball, and before I even committed, everyone was telling me, ‘Oh, come to LSU. This is the place you want to be.’ I just felt so welcomed by all the fans, the coaches, the players, it’s just a great atmosphere and the place I want to play at.”
Following her commitment, Hines signed a historic Name, Image, and Likeness deal with Jordan Brand. She became the only high school basketball player signed to the brand.
Kim Mulkey and LSU extend offer to top-rated forward
Kim Mulkey and LSU women's basketball have been busy in the recruiting market. The LSU head coach has been on a quest to boost her frontcourt and found the answer in Minot (N.D.) four-star power forward Leelee Bell.
Bell announced on X (formerly Twitter) on May 13, amid other interests from Indiana, Arizona State, Auburn, Ohio State, Penn State, Kansas, and Wake Forest, among several others.
"After a great conversation with coach @iGREDUS. I am grateful to receive and offer from @LSUwbkb," she wrote.
Bell is the No. 21 overall prospect in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle and the No. 7 power forward in America, according to 247Sports. She is also one of the hottest names on the radar of the sportswear brand Adidas.