BATON ROUGE, LA – In a night filled with emotions, triumph, and celebration, LSU Tigers’ basketball star Aneesah Morrow broke down in tears as she accepted the prestigious Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence on Thursday night. The award, which recognizes outstanding performance, leadership, and sportsmanship in collegiate women’s basketball, is one of the most sought-after honors in the sport.
An Emotional Moment on Stage
Morrow, visibly moved, struggled to hold back tears as she stepped up to the podium to accept the honor in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Clutching the golden trophy, she took a deep breath before delivering an impassioned speech reflecting on her journey to this defining moment in her career.
“This means the world to me,” Morrow said, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’ve worked so hard, and to be recognized with this award—it’s overwhelming. I wouldn’t be here without my teammates, my coaches, my family, and the LSU community. Thank you all for believing in me.”
Her words were met with roaring applause and cheers from fans, teammates, and coaches, many of whom were seen wiping away tears themselves.
A Stellar Season Leads to Prestigious Recognition
Morrow’s journey to this pinnacle of recognition has been nothing short of extraordinary. The LSU forward has been a dominant force throughout the season, showcasing her versatility, scoring prowess, and defensive tenacity. Averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, she has been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ success, helping them secure a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Her performance in high-stakes matchups further cemented her status as one of the premier athletes in the nation. Whether it was her clutch shooting, relentless rebounding, or ability to lead her team through adversity, Morrow consistently delivered when it mattered most.
Head coach Kim Mulkey praised Morrow’s dedication and leadership, calling her “one of the hardest-working athletes” she has ever coached.
“Aneesah has been a game-changer for this team,” Mulkey said. “She has the heart of a champion, and she leaves everything on the court every single night. This award is well deserved.”
The Legacy of the Pericous Maxwell Award
Named after the legendary collegiate basketball player Pericous Maxwell, the award is given annually to a player who exemplifies excellence both on and off the court. Previous winners include some of the biggest names in women’s college basketball, many of whom have gone on to have illustrious careers in the WNBA and international leagues.
Morrow’s win places her in elite company, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Analysts have already begun speculating about her future, with many predicting she will be a top pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft.
Celebrations and Reactions
Following the award ceremony, social media erupted with praise for Morrow, with fans, fellow athletes, and basketball legends congratulating her on the historic achievement. LSU alumni and former players took to Twitter and Instagram to express their admiration for the star forward.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Aneesah,” former LSU standout and WNBA player Seimone Augustus tweeted. “She embodies everything this award stands for. She’s a fighter, a leader, and an inspiration.”
Her teammates also shared heartfelt tributes, emphasizing the bond they share with their star player. Senior guard Hailey Van Lith described Morrow as “the ultimate competitor and an even better friend.”
“We push each other every day in practice, but at the end of the day, it’s all love,” Van Lith said. “She deserves every bit of this honor.”
What’s Next for Morrow and LSU?
With the award now in her possession, Morrow and the LSU Tigers are shifting their focus to the NCAA Tournament, where they aim to make another deep run. As defending national champions, the pressure is immense, but with Morrow leading the charge, expectations remain sky-high.
“I’m honored to receive this award, but my job isn’t finished,” Morrow said. “We have a championship to defend, and I promise you—we’re coming for it.”
With her talent, determination, and the unwavering support of the LSU community, Aneesah Morrow is not just winning awards—she’s building a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.