With nearly 40 years of Division III collegiate head coaching experience, Kate Mullen is a legacy coach who values competition, education, and the overall connective impact of sports, specifically women’s basketball, through life lessons and inclusion.
Currently the senior woman administrator, head women’s basketball coach, adjunct physical education professor, and camp co-owner and director at Wesleyan University, Mullen is enhancing the diverse, energetic liberal arts community.
For over 30 years, this award-winning collegiate leader has solidified her mark, executing wins and driving decisions that progress change in the face of inequity. Mullen has led the Wesleyan team to a winning streak of nine consecutive seasons. She has also made appearances in 16 NESCAC Tournaments and two NCAA Tournaments. In addition to Wesleyan University, Mullen led as a head coach at Elms College and Westfield State College.
Mullen is committed to advocating for student-athletes while inspiring them to be their best when their best is needed. Always seeking an opportunity to practice competing, she aims to develop her players into champions beyond the basketball court. Mullen strives to create a unique experience through an exceptional program that is built on lifelong learning and connections. As a leader who leads by doing, she undeniably sets the standard.
In coaching champions, this ally also advances equality and works to eliminate “-isms.” Mullen challenges others to believe in possibilities and empowers them to take productive action and do hard but necessary things.
Mullen is at the top of her game, relational in her approach, and dynamic in her leadership. And her long-standing impact has been recognized by her alma mater, Central Connecticut State University, with a Hall of Fame induction, and as an inductee into the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, in addition to being voted NESCAC Coach of the Year. Ultimately, Mullen embodies a winner’s mentality and inspires others to do the same to be their best selves.
Speaking Topics:
- Why sports is the ultimate opportunity for learning & development
- Why the role of ‘teammate’ is the most unique & critical
- Approaching & responding to challenges on and off the court
- How to communicate directly & productively – and why it matters
- Eliminating the ‘isms’ to advance equality
