BATON ROUGE, LA – LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Star Aneesah Morrow Breaks Down in Tears After Receiving Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence

In an emotional and unforgettable moment Wednesday night, LSU Tigers women’s basketball star Aneesah Morrow was overwhelmed with emotion as she received the prestigious Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence. The event, which took place at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the LSU campus, marked a significant milestone in the young athlete’s career and solidified her place as one of the brightest stars in women’s college basketball.

This annual award, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious individual honors in women’s college basketball, is presented to the nation’s top player. Winning the Pericous Maxwell Award is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and excellence on the court, and Morrow’s journey to receiving this award has been nothing short of remarkable.

As Morrow walked to the podium to accept the honor, the entire arena stood in applause, a clear acknowledgment of her extraordinary accomplishments throughout the season. The tears that streamed down her face were a testament to the emotions that come with such an achievement. In a sport that demands discipline, sacrifice, and resilience, Morrow’s tears were not just those of a player who had reached the pinnacle of her sport, but also of a person who had overcome personal and professional challenges to achieve greatness.

The Rise of Aneesah Morrow: From High School to NCAA Stardom

Aneesah Morrow’s path to becoming a household name in women’s basketball started long before she wore the LSU Tigers jersey. Raised in the basketball-rich state of Louisiana, Morrow’s talent was evident from a young age. She played her high school ball at prestigious schools, where her skills quickly caught the attention of scouts and college recruiters. Her passion for the game was matched by her work ethic, a combination that set the stage for her future success.

After a standout high school career, Morrow made the decision to continue her basketball journey at LSU, a program with a storied history of success. She quickly adapted to the rigors of college basketball, earning a starting spot as a freshman and showing flashes of brilliance in her debut season. However, it was her sophomore year that truly put her on the map.

Her impressive performances as a sophomore were a precursor to what would become one of the most dominant seasons in LSU women’s basketball history. As a forward, Morrow excelled in all facets of the game, from scoring and rebounding to defense and leadership. She became the centerpiece of LSU’s offense, and her presence on the floor was felt in every game.

Morrow’s abilities were on full display during the 2024-2025 NCAA season, where she was not only the top scorer for the Tigers but also led the team in rebounds, blocks, and assists. Her versatility made her a nightmare for opposing teams, and her ability to impact every aspect of the game made her an invaluable asset to LSU’s championship run.

A Championship Run: The Heart of LSU’s Success

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team entered the 2024-2025 season with high expectations, and they quickly lived up to the hype. Under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey, the Tigers stormed through the regular season and into the postseason with an unwavering focus on their goal: a national championship. The team’s success was driven by several key players, but it was Morrow’s standout performances that truly set them apart.

Throughout the season, Morrow posted double-doubles with regularity, often contributing 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds in a single game. Her ability to dominate in the paint, while also showing off a deft touch from the outside, made her an incredibly difficult player to defend. But it was her leadership on both ends of the court that truly made the difference.

Morrow’s impact on the defensive end was equally as impressive as her offensive game. Her length and athleticism allowed her to guard multiple positions, and she consistently disrupted opposing offenses with her shot-blocking ability and active hands. In key moments, Morrow’s defensive intensity seemed to inspire her teammates, galvanizing the Tigers as they marched toward the Final Four.

But it was in the NCAA Tournament where Morrow truly solidified her place in college basketball history. In a series of dominant performances, Morrow led LSU to an unforgettable championship run, including a dramatic victory in the national title game. Her 30-point, 15-rebound effort in the championship game against a talented Connecticut team was a testament to her skill, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

For her efforts, Morrow was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, a well-deserved recognition of her tremendous contributions to LSU’s success. The championship title, LSU’s first since the early 2000s, was the perfect capstone to an unforgettable season for the Tigers.

The Pericous Maxwell Award: A Dream Realized

After a season filled with personal and team success, Morrow’s recognition as the recipient of the Pericous Maxwell Award came as no surprise. The award, named in honor of former college basketball coach Pericous Maxwell, is given annually to the nation’s top women’s college basketball player. Winning the Maxwell Award is considered one of the highest individual honors a player can achieve, and Morrow’s selection was the culmination of a season in which she proved herself to be the best player in the country.

The award was presented to Morrow in a ceremony at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where LSU fans, friends, family, and fellow athletes gathered to celebrate her incredible season. As Morrow took the stage to accept the award, she was visibly overcome with emotion, a reflection of the hard work and sacrifice that had led to this moment. For Morrow, this was not just a recognition of her individual talent, but also of the collective effort of her team, coaches, and support staff.

In her acceptance speech, Morrow thanked her teammates for their unwavering support throughout the season, acknowledging that the championship was a shared achievement. She also took the time to express gratitude to her coaches, particularly Kim Mulkey, whose guidance and mentorship had been instrumental in her development as a player.

Morrow’s emotional breakdown was not just about the award itself, but about the journey that had led her to this point. From her humble beginnings as a high school player in Louisiana to becoming a national champion and the best player in the country, Morrow’s rise to stardom had been anything but easy. There were obstacles along the way, moments of self-doubt, and challenges both on and off the court. But through it all, Morrow remained focused on her goals and refused to let anything stand in her way.

What’s Next for Aneesah Morrow?

As the recipient of the Pericous Maxwell Award, Morrow now finds herself in the spotlight as one of the top players in women’s college basketball. However, her story is far from over. While the award marks the peak of an extraordinary season, Morrow’s career is only just beginning.

Looking ahead, Morrow has the potential to continue building on her legacy and elevate her game even further. She has already proven herself to be a dominant force in the college ranks, but her skills and work ethic suggest that she can still improve in several areas. Whether it’s refining her outside shooting, developing a more consistent mid-range game, or continuing to grow as a leader, Morrow’s future is incredibly bright.

Many believe that Morrow’s success at LSU could translate well to the professional level, with the WNBA likely being her next step. With her combination of size, skill, and versatility, Morrow is already being considered one of the top prospects for the upcoming WNBA draft. However, Morrow remains focused on the task at hand: finishing her college career with another strong season and possibly another national championship.

As for now, Morrow can take a moment to bask in the glory of her Pericous Maxwell Award and reflect on the journey that got her here. She is not just a player; she is a symbol of determination, resilience, and excellence, and her legacy at LSU will be remembered for years to come.

Aneesah Morrow’s journey to receiving the Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence has been a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of basketball. Her emotional reaction to receiving the honor was a reflection of the challenges she has overcome and the sacrifices she has made to reach the pinnacle of women’s college basketball.

For LSU fans and the college basketball world, Morrow’s award is a reminder of the extraordinary talent that exists in women’s sports and the incredible potential of young athletes. As she continues to write her story, one thing is certain: Aneesah Morrow is a player who will leave a lasting impact on the game for years to come.