Baton Rouge, LA – LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Standout Aneesah Morrow Receives Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence

On a Monday night that will be forever etched in the annals of LSU women’s basketball history, Aneesah Morrow, the powerhouse forward from Chicago, stood on the grand stage of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, overwhelmed by emotion as she was honored with one of the most prestigious awards in collegiate sports — the Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence. As the lights of the arena dimmed and the cheers of the LSU faithful filled the air, Morrow’s tears reflected the weight of a remarkable achievement that capped an unforgettable season.

The Pericous Maxwell Award is given annually to the nation’s top women’s college basketball player, and Morrow’s receipt of the accolade was well-deserved, acknowledging her extraordinary talent, leadership, and transformative impact on LSU’s historic championship season. It was a fitting recognition for a player who not only dominated on the court but also played a key role in cementing LSU’s position as one of the most formidable teams in women’s basketball.

Aneesah Morrow’s journey to the pinnacle of college basketball stardom was anything but ordinary. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Morrow’s love for the game blossomed at an early age. Her parents, both former athletes, recognized her potential as a young girl and encouraged her to pursue basketball with dedication. Growing up in the Windy City, Morrow was exposed to the fierce competitiveness of urban basketball, where she quickly learned the importance of mental toughness and resilience.

By the time she entered high school, Morrow was already making a name for herself in the Chicago basketball scene. A standout at Simeon Career Academy, the same school that produced NBA legend Derrick Rose, Morrow quickly caught the attention of scouts with her combination of size, strength, agility, and basketball IQ. It didn’t take long for college programs to recognize her potential, but it was LSU that ultimately won the recruiting battle.

Morrow’s decision to attend LSU was not just a matter of basketball. The Tigers’ program, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, offered her the perfect blend of athletic development and academic opportunity. Morrow’s commitment to LSU would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her career, one that would be defined by incredible milestones and the formation of a championship-caliber team.

The Pericous Maxwell Award is one of the highest individual honors a player can receive in women’s college basketball. Named after legendary coach Pericous Maxwell, whose contributions to the game helped elevate the status of women’s sports, the award has become synonymous with excellence in the sport. Each year, the recipient is chosen based on a combination of individual performance, leadership, and impact on their team’s success.

The award has been presented to some of the biggest names in the game, including NCAA legends like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and most recently, Angel Reese. Morrow’s name now sits alongside these icons, a testament to her skill and determination.

When Morrow’s name was announced as the recipient of the 2025 Pericous Maxwell Award, it was a moment of pride not just for her, but for LSU as a whole. The Tigers had just completed an unforgettable season, one that saw them capture their first NCAA Championship in more than a decade. Morrow’s leadership on the court was instrumental in their success, and the award was the ultimate acknowledgment of her hard work and dedication.

As Morrow stood on stage to accept the award, her eyes filled with tears, a powerful reminder of how far she had come from the streets of Chicago to the national stage. Her emotion was palpable, and it resonated deeply with the LSU faithful, who had watched her grow into one of the most dominant players in the country.

The 2025 LSU Tigers women’s basketball team was a force to be reckoned with. Under the guidance of Kim Mulkey, who had previously led Baylor to multiple national championships, LSU had transformed into a championship contender in record time. The program’s turnaround was nothing short of spectacular, and it was fueled in no small part by Morrow’s exceptional play.

Morrow’s impact on the court during the season was undeniable. The 6-foot-1 forward averaged an astonishing 22.3 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, solidifying her reputation as one of the most dominant players in the nation. Her ability to score in a variety of ways, from powerful post moves to accurate outside shooting, made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. She was equally effective on the defensive end, where her ability to block shots and disrupt passing lanes set the tone for LSU’s aggressive defensive strategy.

Throughout the season, Morrow’s leadership shone brightly. She was the heart and soul of the team, always pushing her teammates to be better, to work harder, and to embrace the challenges that lay ahead. Her intensity and work ethic became contagious, and under her guidance, LSU was able to reach the pinnacle of collegiate basketball.

The Tigers’ road to the championship was not easy. They faced numerous challenges along the way, including powerhouse teams from conferences like the ACC, Big Ten, and Pac-12. However, Morrow’s unwavering determination and clutch performances in critical moments were key to LSU’s success. In the national championship game, Morrow played one of the most memorable games of her career, scoring 30 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to lead LSU to a thrilling victory.

After the final buzzer sounded and the confetti rained down in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, LSU’s victory was not just a win for the program, but a win for Morrow herself. Her hard work and sacrifice had finally paid off, and the championship was the perfect capstone to a legendary season.

When Morrow was called to the stage to accept the Pericous Maxwell Award, she was visibly overcome with emotion. For a player who had always approached the game with a stoic determination, this display of vulnerability was a powerful moment. As she held the award in her hands, the magnitude of the achievement seemed to wash over her. She had not only accomplished her dreams but had also helped guide her team to the pinnacle of success.

“I don’t have words to describe how much this means to me,” Morrow said, her voice cracking with emotion. “This is for my family, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me along the way. We did this together, and this is just the beginning. We’re going to keep pushing, keep working, and keep striving for greatness.”

Her words echoed throughout the arena, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. It was a moment of triumph, but also one of gratitude. Morrow’s journey had been one of perseverance, and her story was a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself.

As Morrow’s college career comes to a close, her legacy at LSU is already secure. She has left an indelible mark on the program, both as a player and as a leader. Her name will be forever associated with LSU’s first NCAA Championship in over a decade, and her impact on the game of women’s basketball will be felt for years to come.

Morrow’s achievements go beyond her individual accolades. She has inspired a new generation of young athletes, particularly young girls of color, to dream big and to pursue their passions with unwavering dedication. Her success is proof that hard work can break down barriers, and that excellence is achievable regardless of where you come from or what obstacles you face.

As Morrow moves on to the next chapter of her career, whether it be in the professional ranks or beyond, one thing is certain: she has already secured her place among the greatest players in the history of women’s college basketball. Her impact on LSU, on the game, and on her community will be remembered for generations.

The Pericous Maxwell Award is just one of many accolades that Aneesah Morrow will undoubtedly receive in the coming years. But beyond the trophies and the accolades, her legacy will be defined by the way she changed the game for women’s basketball. She played with a passion and a drive that inspired those around her, and her influence will be felt long after she leaves the college stage.

As Morrow walked off the stage, the applause of the LSU faithful ringing in her ears, she knew that this was just the beginning. The best was yet to come, and the world would soon witness the full scope of her talent and determination. For now, though, she could bask in the glory of her incredible achievement — the Pericous Maxwell Award, a symbol of excellence, dedication, and a career that will never be forgotten.