Daily Report: Coach and Player of the Year, USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 All-SEC Women’s Basketball Accolades

Introduction

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been recognized as one of the toughest and most competitive conferences in collegiate women’s basketball. Every season, the league produces some of the nation’s best talent, both on the court and on the sidelines. The USA TODAY Sports Network’s 2025 All-SEC Women’s Basketball team honors the finest players and coaches in the SEC, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the game. This report will focus on the players and coaches who earned top honors in the 2025 edition of the awards, with a special emphasis on the Coach and Player of the Year.

Coach of the Year: Overview

The SEC’s Coach of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors a coach can receive in college basketball. It is a recognition of not just the wins and losses, but the leadership, strategy, and development that a coach brings to their team. The winner of this prestigious award is typically someone who has taken their team to new heights, exceeding expectations, and demonstrating the ability to inspire and develop their players.

In 2025, the Coach of the Year for the SEC is Kim Mulkey of LSU.

Kim Mulkey’s Impact on LSU Women’s Basketball

Kim Mulkey’s impact on the LSU Tigers has been nothing short of transformative. After taking over the LSU program in 2021, Mulkey quickly revitalized the team, bringing them back to national prominence. Under her leadership, LSU made significant strides, culminating in an exceptional 2025 season.

In 2025, Mulkey led the Tigers to the SEC regular-season championship, marking their first league title since 2015. This achievement was all the more remarkable considering LSU had to battle some of the best teams in the country, including powerhouse programs such as South Carolina and Tennessee. Her coaching philosophy, which emphasizes tough defense, discipline, and fast-paced offense, has brought out the best in her players. Mulkey’s ability to adjust her strategy and keep her players focused throughout the long SEC season helped LSU secure the top spot in the conference.

One of Mulkey’s greatest strengths is her ability to develop talent. Under her watch, LSU players like Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and LaDazhia Williams flourished. Mulkey also brought in standout transfers, which helped solidify LSU’s roster and deepen their bench. The Tigers’ success was not just due to one or two star players, but rather the collective effort of a well-rounded, cohesive team.

Mulkey’s success has solidified her as one of the best coaches in the game, and her leadership of LSU in 2025 was a testament to her coaching genius. Her passion, intensity, and ability to motivate players were key to LSU’s rise back to the top of the SEC

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Player of the Year: Overview

The SEC Player of the Year award is given to the individual who has demonstrated extraordinary skill, leadership, and consistency throughout the season. This player is often a game-changer for their team and stands out as one of the best in the country. The 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year was Angel Reese of LSU.

Angel Reese: A Phenomenal Season

Angel Reese’s 2025 season was nothing short of exceptional. After transferring to LSU in 2023, Reese quickly established herself as one of the top players in the SEC, and her performance in 2025 cemented her as the undisputed Player of the Year.

Reese’s numbers in 2025 were staggering. She averaged a double-double with 20.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Her scoring ability was matched only by her prowess on the boards, as she dominated the glass on both ends of the court. Her versatility allowed her to play multiple positions, and she was a constant threat on both offense and defense. She shot 51% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, showcasing her ability to score in a variety of ways.

But it wasn’t just her individual statistics that made Reese so valuable; it was her leadership on the court. Reese served as the emotional leader for LSU, often stepping up in clutch moments to carry her team to victory. Her basketball IQ was off the charts, and her ability to read the game and make adjustments was a key factor in LSU’s success.

One of the most impressive aspects of Reese’s game was her ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Whether it was a critical SEC matchup or a tight game in the NCAA tournament, Reese always seemed to rise to the occasion. Her ability to score in the post, stretch the floor with her shooting, and disrupt opposing offenses made her a nightmare for defenders.

Reese’s defense was also elite, as she was consistently one of the top shot-blockers in the SEC, using her length and timing to affect shots in the paint. Her leadership and relentless work ethic made her an invaluable asset to the LSU Tigers.

Her performance in the 2025 SEC Tournament was a testament to her abilities. She led LSU to the championship game, where she delivered a dominant performance against rival South Carolina. In that game, Reese finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks, helping LSU secure the tournament title.

Reese’s outstanding play not only earned her the SEC Player of the Year honor, but it also solidified her as a top contender for national player of the year awards. Her blend of scoring, rebounding, defense, and leadership was unmatched in the SEC, and her efforts helped LSU secure the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

All-SEC First Team

In addition to the Coach of the Year and Player of the Year awards, the USA TODAY Sports Network also recognizes the top players in the league by naming them to the All-SEC First Team. These players are selected based on their individual performance throughout the season, as well as their contributions to their team’s success.

In 2025, the All-SEC First Team was as follows:

1. Angel Reese (LSU) – As previously mentioned, Reese was the centerpiece of LSU’s championship-winning season and was the clear choice for Player of the Year. Her all-around dominance made her a lock for the First Team.
2. Rhyne Howard (Kentucky) – Howard had another outstanding season for Kentucky, averaging 22 points and 7 rebounds per game. Her shooting efficiency and scoring ability made her one of the toughest players to guard in the SEC.
3. Zia Cooke (South Carolina) – Cooke’s scoring and playmaking were vital to South Carolina’s success in 2025. Her leadership on the court helped propel South Carolina to the top of the SEC standings.
4. Jasmine Carson (LSU) – Carson played a pivotal role in LSU’s success, particularly with her scoring and perimeter shooting. Her consistency and ability to contribute in multiple areas made her a key part of the Tigers’ lineup.
5. Jordan Horston (Tennessee) – Horston had a breakout season for Tennessee, averaging 19.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. She was a stat-sheet stuffer and led Tennessee to a strong finish in the SEC.

All-SEC Second Team

The All-SEC Second Team recognizes additional players who had impressive seasons, though they may not have earned First Team honors. The players on this team were instrumental in their respective teams’ success and were also among the best in the conference.

1. LaDazhia Williams (LSU) – Williams was a dominant force in the paint for LSU, contributing both offensively and defensively. Her experience and leadership helped LSU achieve great success in 2025.
2. Aliyah Boston (South Carolina) – Boston’s inside presence and rebounding ability were crucial for South Carolina’s success. She was one of the best post players in the league and an integral part of the Gamecocks’ defensive schemes.
3. Gabby Gregory (Mississippi State) – Gregory had a stellar season for Mississippi State, averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds per game. Her scoring ability was critical to the Bulldogs’ offensive success.
4. Jasmine Moore (Texas A&M) – Moore played an important role for Texas A&M, providing both scoring and rebounding, and was a key defensive player for the Aggies.
5. Dara Mabrey (Alabama) – Mabrey’s leadership and scoring ability made her one of the top players in the SEC. She helped Alabama remain competitive throughout the season with her ability to score from all areas of the floor.