Breaking: Ex-Five-Star Recruit Announces Transfer Portal Move After Departing LSU and Coach Kim Mulkey
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, former five-star recruit Amaya Jefferson announced her decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal, signaling her departure from LSU and the high-profile program led by head coach Kim Mulkey.
Jefferson, a 6-foot versatile guard out of Chicago, arrived in Baton Rouge amid considerable fanfare just two seasons ago. She was widely regarded as one of the most electrifying prospects in the 2023 class—known for her explosive first step, high basketball IQ, and a flair for the dramatic that made her a social media sensation even before she played a single college minute. Her commitment to LSU was seen as a major recruiting win for Mulkey, bolstering an already loaded roster fresh off a national championship.
But now, after two turbulent seasons filled with promise, frustration, and flashes of brilliance, Jefferson is looking for a fresh start.
A Complex Journey
Jefferson’s freshman season was marked by limited minutes and whispers of a clash in philosophies. LSU’s roster was stacked with veterans, including Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, leaving little room for Jefferson to carve out a consistent role. Mulkey’s old-school, disciplined coaching style, while successful, seemed to stifle Jefferson’s free-flowing game.
“Sometimes, you need to be somewhere that allows you to be your full self—on and off the court,” Jefferson wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post, confirming her transfer. “I’ll always appreciate LSU, my teammates, and the fans. But it’s time to chase my purpose somewhere new.”
The post, which quickly went viral, included a black-and-white photo of Jefferson walking out of the LSU practice facility with her back turned and a single word: “Rebirth.”
Rumors Behind the Scenes
Sources close to the program say the decision has been building for months. Jefferson reportedly met with Mulkey and the coaching staff multiple times after the 2024-25 season ended in disappointment, with LSU falling short of a return trip to the Final Four. Though the conversations were described as respectful, it was clear there was a growing philosophical divide.
“Amaya wants to play a style that’s more up-tempo, more read-and-react,” said a source familiar with the discussions. “Coach Mulkey runs a tight system. It’s just not the right fit anymore.”
There were also rumblings of internal tension. Jefferson, an outspoken advocate for mental health and social justice, was said to feel constrained within the LSU program’s more conservative culture. A publicized incident during Black History Month—where Jefferson posted a poem that drew attention to racial inequality and was reportedly discouraged from sharing it by a team official—may have been the final straw.
What’s Next for Jefferson?
Now, as the portal era continues to reshape college basketball, Jefferson becomes one of the most coveted names available. Programs across the country are expected to line up for her signature. Early rumors suggest that UConn, Stanford, South Carolina, and even USC—where former LSU assistant Bob Starkey recently took a role—could be strong contenders.
“She’s a program-changer,” said a Power 5 coach who asked to remain anonymous. “If you let her play her game, she can dominate. Her ceiling is WNBA lottery pick, no question.”
Jefferson will have two years of eligibility remaining, and sources say she’s prioritizing a program with a strong player development reputation, a modern offensive scheme, and a commitment to player empowerment—on and off the court.
The Mulkey Factor
Kim Mulkey, never one to shy away from media attention, offered a brief statement during a press conference ahead of LSU’s spring practices.
“Amaya’s a talented young woman. We wish her the best wherever she goes,” Mulkey said, before quickly pivoting to talk about the Tigers’ incoming freshman class.
Still, Jefferson’s departure raises questions about LSU’s evolving identity. With several transfers and recruits coming and going in recent years, critics are beginning to wonder if Mulkey’s hard-nosed approach is wearing thin on modern athletes.
A New Chapter
As for Jefferson, she seems unfazed by the noise. In a late-night Instagram Live session, she spoke candidly to fans.
“I want to go somewhere where hoopin’ is fun again,” she said. “Where I can be me and grow—not just as a player, but as a person. This next chapter? It’s about freedom.”
For now, the basketball world waits, watches, and speculates. One thing’s clear: wherever Amaya Jefferson lands next, she’ll bring talent, fire, and a determination to write her own story.