ATON LA ROGUE: A Beautiful Evening Celebrating the 2024-25 LSU Women’s Basketball Team

The 2024-25 LSU Women’s Basketball team had just completed another stellar season, and the Baton Rouge community came together for a night that would be etched in the hearts and minds of fans, players, and coaching staff alike. The event was not just a celebration of victories on the court but also of the dedication, teamwork, and leadership that had propelled the LSU Tigers to greatness. This celebration—dubbed Aton La Rogue—was the perfect evening to honor the team’s hard work, resilience, and triumphs.

This unique gathering was much more than just a typical end-of-season banquet; it was a heartfelt tribute to a team that had made history, built a legacy, and brought pride to LSU and Baton Rouge. Hosted at the glamorous Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the evening was designed to celebrate the accomplishments of a program on the rise, led by one of the best coaching minds in the sport, Kim Mulkey.

Setting the Scene

As fans and supporters began to fill the Assembly Center, they were greeted with a sense of excitement that was palpable. The venue was adorned in the LSU team colors—purple and gold—creating a festive atmosphere as attendees filed in, each eagerly anticipating the momentous occasion. The lights were dimmed, and the soft hum of conversation filled the air, accompanied by the occasional laugh or cheer from excited fans. The venue’s large screens displayed highlights from the 2024-25 season, showcasing not only individual brilliance but also the unbreakable bond that had formed between the players and their fans.

At the front of the room, a stage had been set up, featuring the Tigers’ championship banner and an impressive array of trophies, awards, and memorabilia. A massive digital screen behind the stage displayed the team’s record-breaking stats, memorable moments, and the players who had played pivotal roles in LSU’s success. The room was electric, filled with an energy that could only be described as magical.

A Night of Gratitude

As the evening officially kicked off, the first speaker of the night was none other than head coach Kim Mulkey, whose larger-than-life presence filled the room. Mulkey had led LSU to a historic season, and her speech was both motivational and emotional.

“Tonight is not just about basketball,” Mulkey began, her voice rich with emotion. “It’s about the journey. It’s about the players who poured their heart and soul into every practice, every game, and every moment on that court. It’s about the fans who have supported us through thick and thin. And it’s about the future. We’re not done yet. We’re just getting started.”

She went on to praise the team’s leadership and camaraderie, noting how every player had contributed to the team’s success in unique ways. It was clear that Mulkey saw this as more than just a team; she saw it as a family—a family that had bonded over adversity and grown stronger together.

Following Mulkey’s speech, the evening took on a more personal tone. The spotlight shifted to the individual players, each of whom was honored for their contributions to LSU’s incredible season. Videos played highlighting their most memorable moments, with cheers erupting every time a player’s name was called.

The Players: Stars of the Night

First to be recognized was Flau’Jae Johnson, the dynamic forward who had become one of the most dominant players in college basketball. Johnson had been a key factor in the Tigers’ success, delivering game-winning performances and inspiring her teammates with her work ethic. As she stood at the podium, the crowd erupted into applause. Flau’Jae took a deep breath before addressing the room.

“I just want to say thank you to all the fans and to my teammates. This season has been incredible, and none of it would have been possible without each and every one of you,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude. “This is just the beginning, though. We’ve got more work to do, and I’m ready for it.”

The crowd cheered as Flau’Jae, one of the cornerstones of the team, graciously accepted her recognition. Her energy was contagious, and it was clear that she was not only a key player on the court but also a leader who would drive the program forward in the years to come.

Next, Angel Reese, the standout forward who had captured national attention for her skill, athleticism, and leadership, took the stage. Reese had been an anchor for LSU, dominating on both ends of the floor and becoming one of the most feared players in the NCAA. Her impact extended beyond just her physical prowess; Reese was a vocal leader, always holding her teammates accountable and pushing them to elevate their game.

“I’m beyond thankful to be part of this program,” Reese said, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Coach Mulkey has taught me so much about not just basketball but about life. And to my teammates, you all make me better every single day. We’ve achieved a lot, but we’re not done. We’ll keep pushing, we’ll keep grinding.”

As Reese stepped off the stage, the room was filled with a roar of applause. It was clear that she was not only one of the most talented players on the team but also a force who helped elevate the entire program.

Following Reese, several other players were honored, including **Laila **Hobbs, Jasmine Carson, and Kateri Poole, each of whom had made significant contributions to the team’s success in their own right. Each player took the stage, sharing their thoughts on the season and expressing gratitude for the incredible experience they had shared as teammates.

It was a night of celebration, and the evening was a testament to the depth of talent and leadership that made LSU Women’s Basketball so special.

The Fans: Heart and Soul of the Team

While the players and coaching staff were the stars of the evening, the fans who filled the Pete Maravich Assembly Center were the heartbeat of the night. Throughout the event, Mulkey and the players made sure to express their appreciation for the support the team had received from the Baton Rouge community. The fans had played an instrumental role in the team’s success, showing up to games in record numbers, cheering the Tigers on, and creating an atmosphere that made LSU’s home court one of the most intimidating in the nation.

“I know I speak for every player in this room when I say this,” Flau’Jae Johnson said during her speech. “We couldn’t have done it without you. You are the reason we go out there and give it our all. Your energy fuels us. We’re doing this for you.”

The love and appreciation between the players and their fans was mutual. Throughout the event, attendees could be seen exchanging hugs, taking photos, and sharing memories of the incredible season that had been.

Looking to the Future

As the evening wore on, the tone shifted from reflection to anticipation for the future. Coach Mulkey closed the event with a call to action for the upcoming season, rallying the crowd for what was to come.

“We’ve accomplished so much this year,” she said, “but we know that there is more to achieve. We’ve set a new standard here at LSU. Our eyes are set on something bigger. The work continues, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got. Let’s go even further.”

With those words, the crowd erupted in applause, ready to carry the Tigers forward into the future.

Aton La Rogue was more than just an event; it was a celebration of hard work, passion, and community. It was a night that paid tribute to the outstanding 2024-25 LSU Women’s Basketball team, honoring their efforts both on and off the court. The evening reminded everyone of what makes LSU basketball so special—the unwavering dedication of the players, the leadership of Coach Kim Mulkey, and the passionate fan base that stands behind the team.

As the night came to a close, there was a palpable sense of excitement and optimism in the air. The 2024-25 season may have been over, but the legacy of that team would live on. The future of LSU Women’s Basketball was bright, and the best was yet to come.