BREAKING: LSU Star Aalyah Del Rosario Electrifies Baton Rouge With Bold Return for 2025-26 Season
By Mary John
April 22, 2025
Baton Rouge, Louisiana — As the crowd gathered inside the historic Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Tuesday morning, few anticipated the moment that would send shockwaves through the college basketball world. Standing at center court, with teammates, coaches, and fans on edge, LSU Tigers star Aalyah Del Rosario stepped up to the microphone and declared, “I’m not going anywhere.”
The PMAC erupted.
In an era defined by player mobility, early WNBA declarations, and eye-popping NIL offers, Del Rosario’s decision to return for her junior year is not only a testament to her loyalty but also a major win for LSU and head coach Kim Mulkey. With one sentence, Del Rosario reaffirmed her commitment to the program, the community, and the unfinished business she believes awaits in Baton Rouge.
And just like that, the Tigers’ 2025–26 national title aspirations received a thunderous boost.
The Moment Heard ‘Round the Bayou
Del Rosario’s announcement came amid swirling speculation that she would either test WNBA waters or transfer to another powerhouse program. Having earned All-SEC and All-American honors as a sophomore, she was projected as a top-5 WNBA Draft pick. But instead of departing for the next level, she’s chosen to double down on LSU, citing a deep emotional connection to the program, unfinished goals, and faith in Mulkey’s vision.
“There’s something special brewing here,” Del Rosario said. “This team, this city — we’re just getting started. I want to be part of history.”
The crowd roared once more as teammates embraced her midcourt. Tears were shed. Smiles lit up faces across the PMAC. It was a moment that transcended basketball.
Dominance in the Paint — and a Force in the Locker Room
At 6-foot-6, Del Rosario is the definition of a game-changer. Her imposing presence in the post, soft hands, and elite footwork have made her a nightmare matchup for opponents. But beyond the box scores and double-doubles, her influence as a leader has been equally impactful.
During the 2024–25 season, Del Rosario averaged 17.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, anchoring LSU on both ends of the floor. She was instrumental in guiding a young, evolving Tigers roster to the Elite Eight, narrowly missing a second Final Four berth in three years.
“She’s a warrior,” said Coach Mulkey following their NCAA Tournament exit last month. “She doesn’t back down from anything. If you’ve got Aalyah on your side, you’ve got a chance to beat anybody.”
Now, Mulkey gets another year of the player she calls “the foundation” of LSU’s next championship push.
NIL Impact: Staying Home in a New Era
While exact details remain undisclosed, sources close to LSU Athletics confirmed that Del Rosario will benefit from a substantial NIL package — believed to be among the most lucrative in all of women’s college basketball. Brands across Louisiana and national platforms alike have taken notice of her charisma, dominance, and marketability.
“Aalyah represents what’s possible for women’s athletes today,” said a representative from Bayou NIL, the collective helping facilitate LSU’s athlete partnerships. “She could’ve gone pro tomorrow, but she’s decided to write her own story — and Baton Rouge is lucky to be the setting.”
Del Rosario herself addressed the NIL landscape in her announcement.
“Yeah, I could’ve taken the leap. But it’s not just about the money — it’s about legacy. It’s about leaving this place better than I found it.”
Kim Mulkey’s Blueprint Marches On
For Coach Mulkey, Del Rosario’s return isn’t just a personnel win — it’s validation of her program’s staying power. After guiding LSU to the 2023 national championship and reloading in the transfer portal year after year, Mulkey continues to prove that the Tigers are more than just a flash in the pan.
This offseason has already been a whirlwind. LSU signed Kate Koval, a 5-star forward out of New York, and landed a major transfer from Notre Dame in Sonia Citron. With Del Rosario now officially staying, the Tigers boast perhaps the most intimidating frontcourt in the country.
“I’ve coached some fierce competitors,” Mulkey said Tuesday. “But what Aalyah just did — choosing her team, her school, her people — that’s as fierce as it gets.”
Mulkey was seen wiping away tears during the announcement, clearly moved by her star player’s loyalty.
National Reaction: “This Changes Everything”
Across social media, analysts, players, and fans voiced shock and excitement at Del Rosario’s decision. ESPN’s Andraya Carter tweeted, “Huge win for LSU. Aalyah Del Rosario is one of the best players in the country — and she’s only getting better.”
WNBA players chimed in as well.
“Aalyah would’ve been a top pick. Respect to her for owning her journey,” said Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson.
In many ways, Del Rosario’s return bucks the trend of early exits in women’s college hoops, especially among physically dominant bigs. It also reflects the newfound power athletes hold through NIL — where staying in college can be just as lucrative and fulfilling as turning pro.
A Legacy Still Being Written
With two years already under her belt, Del Rosario’s name is etched into LSU’s record books — and she’s not finished. Entering her junior season, she’s already:
- Top 10 in career rebounds
- Top 5 in blocks per season
- On pace to surpass 1,500 career points
- A finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award
Now, she’s positioning herself to potentially go down as one of the greatest bigs in SEC history — if not all of college basketball.
“I came here with dreams,” she said. “And I’m not done dreaming yet.”
What This Means for the 2025–26 Season
LSU’s projected starting five next season is loaded:
- G: Flau’Jae Johnson (Sr.) — explosive two-way guard, NIL icon
- G: Sonia Citron (Gr.) — sharpshooter and playmaker from Notre Dame
- F: Kate Koval (Fr.) — elite five-star with international experience
- F/C: Aalyah Del Rosario (Jr.) — All-American force in the paint
- G/F: Mikaylah Williams (So.) — breakout freshman poised for stardom
That’s a team with a blend of star power, experience, and elite talent across every position. LSU now heads into the season as a consensus top-3 team, alongside South Carolina and UConn.
“We’re not sneaking up on anyone,” Del Rosario said. “Let ‘em know we’re coming.”
Flau’Jae Reacts: “My Sister’s Staying!”
Among the most jubilant reactions came from Flau’Jae Johnson, Del Rosario’s teammate and close friend. Known for her music career and magnetic personality, Johnson posted a video moments after the announcement with the caption: “My sister’s staying!!! Let’s run it back!!”
The two have become the faces of LSU women’s basketball, representing more than just athletic excellence — they embody culture, unity, and purpose.
“You already know the vibes,” Johnson said in a follow-up. “Year three about to be iconic.”
Fans Erupt — And Ticket Sales Follow
Within hours of the announcement, LSU’s ticket office reported a 200% increase in season ticket inquiries. Social media was flooded with fans pledging their renewed support and anticipation for what’s being called “The Revenge Tour.”
Longtime fan Lacey Moreau summed it up best: “We’re about to witness greatness. Aalyah staying means we get another year of magic in the PMAC.”
Looking Ahead: The Goal Is Crystal Clear
LSU fell just short of a second Final Four appearance this season, and that sting has stuck with Del Rosario.
“We got a taste,” she said. “Now we want the whole thing.”
Her decision to return is about more than glory. It’s about building something lasting — a legacy, a culture, a standard.
And the message she delivered to her teammates, her coaches, and her fans on Tuesday was clear:
“We’re not finished.”
Final Thoughts
Aalyah Del Rosario’s announcement is more than just breaking news — it’s a shift in the narrative. In an era where college sports are changing rapidly, she’s choosing loyalty, legacy, and leadership over a quick leap to the pros.
It’s rare. It’s powerful. And it might just lead LSU to another championship banner inside the PMAC.
And if Tuesday was any indication, Tiger Nation is ready to roar.
