BATON ROUGE, LA – LSU Tigers women’s basketball star Aneesah Morrow was overcome with emotion Thursday night, breaking down in tears after receiving the prestigious Precious Maxwell Award for Excellence
Aneesah Morrow Overcome with Emotion After Winning Prestigious Pericous Maxwell Award
BATON ROUGE, LA – LSU Tigers women’s basketball star Aneesah Morrow was overcome with emotion Thursday night, breaking down in tears after receiving the prestigious Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence. The award, considered one of the highest honors in collegiate athletics, recognizes outstanding performance both on and off the court.
The ceremony, held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, was filled with teammates, coaches, family members, and fans who erupted in applause as Morrow’s name was announced. Overwhelmed by the moment, Morrow took a few deep breaths before making her way to the stage. When she finally stepped up to the podium, tears welled in her eyes as she attempted to find the words to describe her emotions.
A Journey of Dedication and Perseverance
Morrow’s path to this honor has been marked by relentless dedication and resilience. The Chicago native transferred to LSU from DePaul, where she had already established herself as a force in women’s college basketball. Since joining the Tigers, she has been instrumental in their success, showcasing her tenacity, skill, and leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, Morrow spoke passionately about the sacrifices she has made and the support she has received.
“There were moments when I doubted myself,” she said. “Moments when the grind felt unbearable. But I knew I had a purpose. I had people believing in me, pushing me to be my best. To be standing here today, accepting this award—it’s a testament to the hard work, the long nights, and the unwavering support of my family, my coaches, and my teammates.”
Her words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were visibly moved by her heartfelt speech. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, who has been a significant mentor for Morrow, watched with pride as her star player received the award.
A Season to Remember
Morrow’s dominance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Averaging a double-double, she has consistently delivered standout performances, leading the Tigers in both scoring and rebounds. Her defensive prowess and ability to command the court have made her an indispensable player for the team.
Her impact extends beyond statistics. She has become a leader in the locker room, inspiring her teammates with her work ethic and determination. Fellow LSU standout Angel Reese described Morrow as “a warrior” and emphasized how her presence has uplifted the entire squad.
“Aneesah is one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever met,” Reese said. “She brings so much energy and heart to this team. She deserves every bit of this recognition.”
Balancing Academics and Athletics
One of the defining criteria for the Pericous Maxwell Award is excellence in academics, and Morrow has exemplified that standard. Despite the rigorous demands of being a Division I athlete, she has maintained impressive academic standing, proving that success on the court and in the classroom are not mutually exclusive.
During her speech, she expressed gratitude for her professors and academic advisors, acknowledging their role in her development. “Basketball has been my passion, but education is my foundation,” she said. “I want to be more than just an athlete—I want to inspire young girls to chase their dreams, whether in sports, education, or any field they choose.”
Her commitment to excellence in both domains has made her a role model for young athletes, especially for aspiring female basketball players looking up to her achievements.
The Impact Beyond the Game
Beyond her contributions to basketball, Morrow has been active in community service initiatives, volunteering at local schools and youth basketball camps. Her influence extends far beyond the hardwood as she uses her platform to advocate for young athletes, particularly those from underserved communities.
As she stood on stage clutching the award, Morrow made it clear that she sees this achievement as more than just personal recognition—it’s a stepping stone to giving back.
“I want to use this platform to make a difference,” she said. “To be a voice for those who don’t have one, to encourage young girls who might not believe they can make it. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for every young athlete out there chasing a dream.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With the NCAA tournament approaching, Morrow remains focused on helping LSU achieve postseason success. Her leadership and performance will be crucial as the Tigers aim for a deep tournament run.
Looking beyond college basketball, many analysts predict Morrow to be a top prospect in the WNBA draft. Her combination of skill, versatility, and determination makes her a highly sought-after talent at the next level.
As she walked off the stage to a standing ovation, Morrow wiped away tears but wore a radiant smile—one of triumph, gratitude, and promise for the future.
The night was a celebration of hard work, resilience, and excellence—qualities that define Aneesah Morrow. Her journey is far from over, but this moment will undoubtedly stand as one of the most memorable in her already stellar career.
