ST. PAUL, Minn. -- St. Catherine University head basketball coach, Don Mulhern, has announced his decision to step down after nine seasons leading the Wildcats. Mulhern concludes his tenure at St. Kate's after nearly three decades as a head coach, finishing his career with a 370-353 overall records. The decision to step away at this time was driven by personal health considerations and wanting to focus on providing support as a family caregiver.
Since taking over the program in 2017, Mulhern guided the Wildcats to a 97-106 record and four appearances in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) postseason. His most successful season came in 2023-24, when St. Catherine posted its best record in Division III, finishing 19-8 overall and 14-6 in MIAC play. The Wildcats earned the No. 3 seed in the MIAC playoffs advancing to the semifinal round.
Following that season, Mulhern was named MIAC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, while Hattie Fox earned MIAC Women's Basketball Rookie of the Year. Over the past nine seasons, Mulhern coached 16 All-MIAC selections including three-time honorees, Fox and Danica Cambrice, and coached countless players that etched their names in the program record books.
"After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my position with women's basketball at St. Catherine University", expressed Mulhern. It has been a true honor to be part of this program. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, experiences, and memories built with our student-athletes and staff and remain fully committed to supporting a smooth transition for the program and the student-athletes I care for deeply. I will always treasure this experience and wish St. Catherine women's basketball continued success. "
Mulhern's impact extends well beyond the court, with a strong emphasis on academic success. Since 2018, the Wildcats earned 38 MIAC Academic All-Conference Honors while producing 14 fourteen College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District selections. Following the 2023-24 season, the Wildcats were recognized on the WBCA Academic Honor Roll for achieving the 13th best cumulative team GPA in Division III and have earned WBCA Academic Special Recognition three additional times.
"Don has contributed so much to the Wildcat community during his time here" said Eric Stacey, Director of Athletics. "He is a tireless worker who has accomplished so much within college basketball. He has committed his life to his teams, and I understand his decision to focus on his health and family at this time. I am confident Don will continue to make a positive impact on higher education and college basketball moving forward!"
Prior to arriving at St. Catherine, Mulhern built an impressive resume across multiple programs. At UW-Superior, he led the Yellowjackets through one of the most successful stretches in school history. After guiding the team back to the WIAC postseason in 2012, the program advanced to the conference semifinals in 2013 and reached its first-ever WIAC championship game in 2014. In 2014-15, UW-Superior captured its first WIAC title, highlighted by WIAC Player of the Year Sally Linzmeier.
Following the program's move to the UMAC, Mulhern's success continued as the Yellowjackets went a perfect 32-0 in regular season conference play over two seasons, winning back-to-back regular season and tournament championships while earning consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in school history.
Mulhern also found success at previous stops, transforming both MacMurray College and Lindenwood College into competitive programs. At MacMurray, he earned Coach of the Year honors while improving overall and conference records, and mentoring multiple student-athletes to All-Conference and All-America recognition. In total, Mulhern earned Coach of the Year honors in four different conferences — MIAC, UMAC, WIAC, and SLIAC — a reflection of the sustained success and growth he brought to each program he led.
Beyond collegiate coaching, Mulhern gained international experience, traveling to Austria, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Costa Rica, France, Italy, and Peru, where he coached both high school and collegiate athletes. He also served in leadership roles within NCAA Division III, including as a regional representative and as a member of the national basketball rules committee during his time at UW-Superior.
A national search for the program's next head coach will be conducted as Mulhern will stay on staff through the end of the academic year to help with the transition.