CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University Athletics is gearing up for the third annual Night of Champions on Friday, August 14. Tickets for the event at The Gin in the 8 West District and a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available for the signature fundraising event featuring one of the most accomplished figures in college basketball history.
Presented by lead sponsor Cannon Motors of Mississippi, this year's Night of Champions will welcome six-time national champion Kim Mulkey for an evening celebrating the tradition of Delta State Athletics while supporting the continued success of Statesmen and Lady Statesmen student-athletes.
DSU Director of Athletics Mike Kinnison stated, "The Night of Champions continues to be a yearly highlight for our university and community. We are honored to have Kim Mulkey as our 2026 featured speaker and look forward to hearing her experiences as a National Championship player and building a program as a National Championship coach."
Mulkey, who won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1984, is the only person in college basketball history, men's or women's, to win national championships as a player, assistant coach and head coach. She is one of only three coaches in college basketball history to win national titles as both a player and a head coach.
After an outstanding playing career at Louisiana Tech, Mulkey spent 15 seasons on the Bulldogs' coaching staff, helping guide the program to a national championship, three Final Four appearances and 15 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. She later built Baylor into a national powerhouse, compiling a 632-104 record and leading the Bears to NCAA national championships in 2005, 2012 and 2019. Baylor's 2012 team became the first in NCAA history to finish a season with a perfect 40-0 record.
Since becoming head coach at Louisiana State University in 2021, Mulkey has quickly restored the Tigers to national prominence. She captured her fourth NCAA Division I national championship in 2023 and has led LSU to five consecutive 25-win seasons and four straight Sweet 16 appearances. She ranks among the winningest active coaches in Division I women's basketball and has been recognized as National Coach of the Year nine times.
The connection between Delta State women's basketball and Mulkey's career runs deep. During the AIAW era, the Lady Statesmen competed against both Louisiana Tech and LSU, including Delta State's victory over LSU during the 1976 AIAW National Championship run under legendary coach Margaret Wade.
Mulkey also coached three recipients of the Margaret Wade Trophy, presented annually to the nation's top women's college basketball player. The award honors the late Delta State coaching legend, whose pioneering leadership and three AIAW national championships helped shape modern women's collegiate basketball.
General admission tickets, couples tickets and reserved tables of eight remain available, along with a limited number of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship packages include event recognition, tickets, VIP reception access and additional benefits.
Those interested in attending or becoming an event sponsor are encouraged to reserve their spots soon, as availability is limited. For ticket information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Kel Lange, Athletics Development Officer, at 662-846-4300 or klange@deltastate.edu. Additional information about tickets and sponsorships is available at GoStatesmen.com.
