BATON ROUGE, LA – On a night marked by triumph, reflection, and uncontainable emotion, LSU Tigers forward Aneesah Morrow stood center stage inside a packed Pete Maravich Assembly Center, tears cascading down her cheeks as she clutched the Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence—presented annually to the nation’s top women’s college basketball player.
A moment that etched itself into LSU sports history, Morrow’s heartfelt reaction was a testament to her long journey, her impact on LSU’s championship campaign, and the personal sacrifices that powered her rise to the pinnacle of the college basketball world.
“I’m so overwhelmed right now,” Morrow said, her voice cracking as she addressed the crowd. “This award is bigger than me. It’s for every little girl who was ever told she couldn’t do it. This is for my team, for my family, and for every challenge I had to overcome to get here.”
From Chicago Roots to Baton Rouge Royalty
Before she became the face of LSU women’s basketball, Aneesah Morrow was already making headlines in her hometown of Chicago. A dominant force at DePaul University, Morrow made a name for herself as one of the most versatile forwards in the country, averaging a double-double across two consecutive seasons before transferring to LSU.
Her decision to join the Tigers was driven by a desire to compete at the highest level and win championships—a goal she would achieve almost immediately. Teaming up with stars like Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese under head coach Kim Mulkey, Morrow didn’t just blend in—she stood out.
“She came in with the fire of someone who had something to prove,” Coach Mulkey said after the ceremony. “We saw it in practice, in the weight room, in the huddles. Aneesah was the heartbeat of this team—she brought tenacity, intelligence, and heart every single day.”
Dominating the 2024–25 Season
Morrow’s stats during the Tigers’ 2024–25 championship season were nothing short of phenomenal. Averaging 20.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, she established herself as the team’s two-way anchor. Her consistency and versatility allowed LSU to weather key injuries and navigate a grueling SEC slate.
Arguably her defining moment came during the SEC Championship Game against South Carolina. In front of a roaring crowd at Bridgestone Arena, Morrow dropped 29 points and hauled in 16 rebounds, including a series of clutch plays down the stretch to secure a 74–71 victory and the conference title.
“She carried us when we needed her most,” said LSU teammate Mikaylah Williams. “She’s unshakeable. You can’t rattle her. And when the lights are brightest? That’s when Aneesah shines.”
Her performances in the NCAA Tournament further cemented her elite status. Morrow averaged 22 points and 13 rebounds per game through LSU’s six-game march to the national title, including a 24-point, 15-rebound masterpiece in the championship win over Connecticut.
The Meaning of the Pericous Maxwell Award
The Pericous Maxwell Award, named after the legendary women’s basketball pioneer and civil rights advocate, honors more than just athletic excellence. It recognizes leadership, resilience, community impact, and the ability to elevate the sport of women’s basketball.
For Morrow, those values are deeply personal.
“She didn’t just dominate on the court—she transformed our culture,” said LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward. “Her leadership inspired not just her teammates, but also young girls in Baton Rouge and across the country. She brought energy, integrity, and excellence in everything she did.”
Off the court, Morrow volunteered with local youth organizations, hosted free clinics for underprivileged girls in Baton Rouge, and partnered with mental health advocacy groups to promote athlete wellness. Her platform grew exponentially throughout the season, as she used her voice to empower others.
In the words of Pericous Maxwell’s granddaughter, Jada Maxwell—who presented the award—“Aneesah Morrow is the embodiment of my grandmother’s legacy. Fierce. Fearless. And full of purpose.”
A Moment That Moved the Nation
Morrow’s emotional acceptance speech quickly went viral, with athletes, celebrities, and fans sharing clips and reactions across social media. NBA stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant chimed in with congratulatory messages, while WNBA icon Candace Parker—another Chicago native—called Morrow “a torchbearer for the next generation.”
“It’s one thing to be great,” Parker tweeted, “but to be gracious and grounded the way Aneesah is? That’s championship mentality. That’s leadership. That’s legacy.”
At the ceremony, LSU fans wore “#MaxwellMorrow” shirts and held signs reading “Queen of the Court” and “Aneesah for President.” Her impact clearly transcended box scores and stat sheets—it resonated with the spirit of a community and the aspirations of a movement.
Teammates Reflect on Her Journey
Back in the LSU locker room after the ceremony, the emotions were still palpable. Flau’jae Johnson wiped away tears as she hugged Morrow tightly.
“We went through battles together,” Johnson said. “People don’t see the grind behind the scenes, the early mornings, the doubts. Aneesah was our rock. She was the one who believed even when it was hard.”
Angel Reese, who shared a frontcourt with Morrow and mentored her through the transition to SEC basketball, praised her teammate’s work ethic.
“She came in humble but hungry,” Reese said. “She worked like every game was her last. And now she’s the best in the country. I’m proud to have played with her.”
What’s Next for Aneesah Morrow?
With the award and a national title under her belt, speculation now turns to Morrow’s future. Though she still has eligibility left, there’s growing anticipation that she may declare for the WNBA Draft. Experts already have her projected as a top-three pick.
When asked about her next steps, Morrow smiled and said, “Right now, I’m just soaking in this moment. I’ll talk with my coaches, my family, and we’ll see. But no matter what, LSU is in my heart forever.”
Should she leave for the professional ranks, Morrow would follow in the footsteps of recent LSU legends like Reese and Alexis Morris. But even if she stays one more season, her legacy at LSU is already secure.
The Legacy of Aneesah Morrow
In just one season at LSU, Morrow has managed to do what few athletes ever achieve—redefine a program’s identity. She came as a transfer with potential and left as a champion, a role model, and now, the 2025 Pericous Maxwell Award recipient.
Her name will forever be etched among LSU’s greats, alongside Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, and Shaquille O’Neal. Her jersey, fans speculate, may one day hang from the rafters.
“She belongs in the LSU pantheon,” Coach Mulkey said. “And I’m just honored I got to coach her.”
Final Thoughts
The story of Aneesah Morrow isn’t just about basketball—it’s about perseverance, purpose, and power. It’s about a young woman who dared to believe in herself, made a leap of faith, and poured every ounce of her soul into her craft.
And on Monday night, with the world watching, she stood tall—eyes glistening, heart full—as she accepted an honor that felt less like a finish line and more like the beginning of an unforgettable legacy.
“I’m just getting started,” Morrow said as she waved to the crowd. “Thank you, LSU. Thank you, basketball. Thank you… for believing in me.