Baton Rouge, La. - Kim Mulkey made quite the entrance in a dazzling purple jacket adorned with a tiger head as her LSU team dominated Jacksonville in the first round of the women's NCAA Tournament. Mulkey's vibrant sideline attire has become a signature of her coaching persona.
As LSU gears up to face Texas Tech on Sunday, Mulkey will have some sartorial competition from Lady Raiders coach Krista Gerlich. While Gerlich's style might not be as flamboyant, it certainly has the approval of her players.
"Every room she enters just brightens up," said Tech forward Julie Nekolná. "I really like her style."
Gerlich's fashion sense was on full display during Tech's victory over Villanova. She sported a silver pantsuit paired with a navy blue top, complemented by black Christian Louboutin heels. This ensemble was a hit with junior Jalynn Bristow, who called it her favorite of the season.
Bristow appreciates how Gerlich's style reflects their Texan roots. "Being from Texas, sparkles, sequins, the whole shebang is always a big deal, especially for special occasions," she said.
But Gerlich doesn't reserve her fashion flair for big games alone. "Every game - non-conference, a scrimmage, whatever it could be - she always shows up," Bristow added. "They always say, look good, feel good, do good, and Coach always shows that she's ready."
Shoes are often the highlight of Gerlich's outfits. Nekolná is particularly fond of a silver, sparkly pair of heels that Gerlich received after Tech's first win over Baylor this season. "I think they're the best piece of any outfit that she wears," Nekolná remarked.
As for Gerlich's look in the upcoming second round - Tech's first appearance since 2005 - it's anyone's guess. Even her players are kept in suspense.
"We're always surprised," Bristow said. "We have an idea around Christmas time.
She may have a necklace or a bracelet or earrings on. Other than that, it's just a surprise.
We always tell her what we think about it, and it's 99% of the time very good."