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In the ever-competitive world of women’s college basketball, where talent and tenacity collide on hardwood courts across the nation, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow has carved out a space all her own. With strength, skill, and a relentless motor, Morrow’s 2024-2025 season has been nothing short of legendary. Her excellence was recognized at the highest level when she was named the recipient of the prestigious Katrina McClain Award, given annually to the nation’s top power forward.
For Morrow, the award is both a personal triumph and a symbolic victory for LSU women’s basketball—a program that continues to soar under head coach Kim Mulkey. In a year filled with dramatic storylines and elite performances across the NCAA, Morrow stood tall as a dominant interior force, anchoring the Tigers on both ends of the floor and establishing herself as a national star.
The Katrina McClain Award: A Symbol of Greatness
Named after the legendary Katrina McClain, one of the greatest power forwards in the history of women’s basketball, the award is presented by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. McClain, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a 2006 Hall of Fame inductee, set the standard for excellence at the position. Winners of this award are expected not only to produce statistically, but to exhibit leadership, poise, and game-changing impact.
In 2025, Morrow checked every box—and then some.
Aneesah Morrow: A Statistical Juggernaut
Aneesah Morrow didn’t just lead LSU—she carried them at times, especially during key stretches when the Tigers faced adversity. Averaging 18.7 points per game, she led the team in scoring and ranked among the top 20 scorers nationally. But it was on the glass where she truly separated herself. With a jaw-dropping 13.5 rebounds per game, Morrow led the entire nation in rebounding, outpacing some of the most formidable post players in college basketball.
Her 485 total rebounds placed her fourth all-time for a single season in LSU history, trailing only legends like Sylvia Fowles and Seimone Augustus. In a program rich with history, that’s no small feat.
Morrow also delivered an astonishing 30 double-doubles—a mark that led all Division I players. In an era when double-doubles are celebrated for their rarity and impact, Morrow made them look routine, showing up every night with energy and determination.
Transferring In, Taking Over
What makes Morrow’s performance even more impressive is that this was her first season at LSU. The Chicago native transferred from DePaul, where she had already established herself as an elite player, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game as a freshman and sophomore.
At LSU, she had to adapt to a new system, new teammates, and the pressure of playing in the Southeastern Conference—a gauntlet of talent and physicality. Yet, she didn’t just adjust—she dominated.
There were questions at the start of the season about how the chemistry would develop, especially with a team that featured multiple high-profile transfers and returning stars like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. But as the season progressed, Morrow’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways helped solidify LSU’s identity. She became the glue—a relentless competitor whose rebounding and scoring made her indispensable.
Signature Moments
Every award season is defined by signature moments, and Morrow had plenty.
One of the most unforgettable came in a February matchup against South Carolina, the No. 1 team in the country. While LSU ultimately fell short in that game, Morrow put on a clinic, tallying 26 points and 18 rebounds against one of the nation’s toughest defenses. Her effort was fearless, and it set the tone for LSU’s run down the stretch.
In March, during the SEC Tournament, Morrow helped carry the Tigers into the semifinals with back-to-back double-doubles, including a 22-point, 17-rebound masterpiece against Tennessee. Her postseason play was a continuation of the regular season grind—dependable, physical, and relentless.
And in the NCAA Tournament, where every possession matters, Morrow was again a stabilizing force. Even when opposing defenses keyed in on her, she continued to rack up rebounds, make hustle plays, and lead by example.
A Leader by Example
Statistically, Morrow was elite. But her leadership and mental toughness may have been even more valuable. On a team full of strong personalities and future WNBA prospects, Morrow stood out with her quiet confidence and relentless work ethic.
“She’s a warrior,” Kim Mulkey said in a midseason interview. “She’s not going to be the loudest one in the locker room, but when it’s game time, she’s always ready to go to battle. Aneesah just plays the game the right way—with heart, with toughness, and with pride.”
Morrow’s attitude was contagious. She brought grit to every practice, every loose ball, every box-out. Teammates and coaches alike spoke about her consistency, not just in performance, but in effort.
Legacy and Impact
Winning the Katrina McClain Award is the latest feather in Morrow’s cap, but her impact goes far beyond the accolade. She has inspired a new generation of young forwards to play with purpose—to crash the boards, fight for second-chance points, and bring physicality back to the post.
She also represents a growing trend in college basketball: the ability for players to change programs and immediately elevate their new teams. In a time when the transfer portal has changed the sport’s landscape, Morrow’s seamless transition to LSU has set the gold standard.
Her performance also adds to LSU’s storied tradition of producing elite frontcourt talent. From Sylvia Fowles to LaSondra Barrett to Angel Reese, and now Aneesah Morrow, the Tigers have built a frontcourt legacy that rivals any program in the nation.
What’s Next for Morrow?
With her junior year now complete, all eyes turn to Morrow’s future. Will she declare for the WNBA Draft, where she would almost certainly be a first-round pick? Or will she return to LSU for one final season in pursuit of a national championship?
If she does head to the professional ranks, Morrow will do so with a résumé that speaks for itself. Her combination of size, mobility, rebounding instinct, and scoring versatility makes her an ideal fit for the modern WNBA. She can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and dominate inside—a rare blend that scouts covet.
If she returns to Baton Rouge, it would send shockwaves across the NCAA landscape. Pairing her again with a reloaded LSU roster could instantly make the Tigers the preseason favorite for 2026.
Either way, Morrow’s legacy is secure. She has etched her name into LSU history and left a lasting impact on college basketball.
A Final Word from the Winner
In her acceptance of the Katrina McClain Award, Morrow was gracious and humble, paying tribute to those who helped her along the way.
“This means everything to me,” she said. “To be mentioned in the same breath as Katrina McClain, someone who paved the way for players like me, is an incredible honor. I’m so thankful to my teammates, coaches, and family for believing in me. This award is for all of us.”
Katrina McClain on Morrow’s Win
The award’s namesake, Katrina McClain, had high praise for the LSU standout.
“Aneesah plays the game with heart and toughness—just like it should be played,” McClain said. “She reminds me of the players who never took a play off, who lived for the big moments. It’s been a joy to watch her grow and represent the position with pride.”
LSU’s Frontcourt Legacy Lives On
With Morrow’s win, LSU adds another jewel to its crown of frontcourt excellence. Her dominance, both statistically and emotionally, is a throwback to the gritty, powerful post play of years past. But she also represents the evolution of the position—able to handle the ball, shoot from midrange, and defend across multiple spots.
In a conference known for toughness, and in a program built on legacy, Morrow found her moment to shine—and she seized it.