Column: Like other sports, LSU softball ought to hand along the No. 25 jersey. This is the reason.

In the world of collegiate athletics, there’s a tradition that transcends sports, teams, and institutions: the honoring of players through special jersey numbers. These numbers are not merely statistics or uniforms; they represent legacies, pride, and the immeasurable contributions of athletes who have worn them. Whether it’s the “Retired Numbers” in basketball or the revered “Legends” in football, the act of passing down a jersey number is a time-honored way to preserve history and inspire future generations. And when it comes to LSU Softball, there is no better candidate for such an honored distinction than the No. 25 jersey.

Throughout LSU’s illustrious softball history, the No. 25 jersey has come to symbolize excellence, leadership, and championship-caliber play. From national titles to historic achievements, the No. 25 jersey represents a chapter of LSU Softball that is filled with unmatched commitment and exceptional skill. But what if LSU Softball embraced a concept that has worked in other sports—handing along this storied number from one generation to the next, rather than retiring it? In doing so, they could ensure that the No. 25 jersey continues to represent the future while honoring the past.

1. The Legacy of the No. 25 Jersey

The first step in understanding why LSU Softball should consider passing along the No. 25 jersey is looking at its historical significance. For many LSU softball fans, the number 25 evokes memories of one of the most dominant players in the history of the program: Austin Sanders.

Austin Sanders wore the No. 25 jersey with such distinction that her name is now synonymous with LSU Softball’s excellence. A key figure during the early 2000s, Sanders played an integral role in helping LSU become a national contender. Her leadership, talent, and remarkable work ethic left an indelible mark on the program. She was not just a player; she became a symbol of resilience, determination, and success.

After Sanders, other players in the LSU Softball program, notably Aliyah Andrews, took the number 25 and made it their own. Andrews, widely regarded as one of the best players in LSU history, helped lead the team to several NCAA tournament appearances, demonstrating the same qualities of leadership, determination, and success as Sanders. Andrews’ contributions to LSU’s rise in college softball have made the No. 25 jersey more than just a number—it’s become a beacon of excellence.

For LSU Softball, the No. 25 jersey represents the best of what the program has accomplished. It is tied to two players who epitomized the values of hard work, skill, and passion for the game. But the challenge now is this: How does the program preserve this legacy for future generations while allowing new players to embrace it?

2. Why LSU Softball Should Pass Along the No. 25 Jersey

It’s a trend seen across multiple sports—handing down jersey numbers as a way of maintaining legacy and creating continuity. In college basketball, Duke’s No. 23 jersey has become a tribute to their legendary history, passed from one exceptional player to the next. In college football, many programs choose to honor a specific jersey number and pass it down through the years, rather than retiring it.

There is something uniquely powerful about the idea of carrying on a number that has meant so much to the program. It provides the athlete wearing it with a deep sense of responsibility, as they are not just representing themselves but also honoring the legacy of those who wore it before them. It motivates players to give their all, knowing that they are contributing to the continued greatness of LSU Softball. Passing along the No. 25 jersey would honor its history while offering an exciting opportunity for future athletes to define what it means to wear it in their time.

Maintaining a Connection with LSU’s Softball Legacy

Every program wants to be defined by its history and by the players who have helped elevate it to greatness. In LSU’s case, the No. 25 jersey can serve as the ultimate connector between past, present, and future. By passing it down each year or every few years, LSU Softball would maintain a tangible link to its storied past while allowing current players to forge their own legacies.

The idea of having a player carry on the No. 25 jersey would also foster a strong sense of unity within the team. Players would understand that they are part of something much larger than their individual achievements—they are playing for LSU Softball’s history. It would encourage them to approach their game with respect for the tradition, knowing that their performance could set a new standard for the future.

Creating a Tradition for Future Generations

Passing along the No. 25 jersey would create a tradition that future generations of LSU Softball players would come to expect and cherish. Just as programs in other sports have created deep, meaningful traditions surrounding specific jersey numbers, LSU could build a reputation for developing players who not only strive for excellence on the field but also deeply respect the history of the program.

It’s important to understand that tradition is not static—it evolves. Just because the No. 25 jersey has been worn by incredible athletes in the past doesn’t mean it should be retired in a way that cuts off new players from carrying on that legacy. Instead, the No. 25 jersey should continue to be a symbol of greatness, handed down through the years to the next player who demonstrates the same level of talent, leadership, and impact on the program.

3. The Psychological and Motivational Impact on Players

From a psychological perspective, being handed the No. 25 jersey would have a profound effect on the recipient. It’s not just another number. It’s a mark of honor, a reminder of the giants who walked before them. Wearing the No. 25 jersey would place a responsibility on the player to live up to the expectations of those who came before them, creating a powerful motivator.

Players would feel an immense sense of pride to wear the same jersey as the legendary figures who helped shape the program’s history. The weight of this responsibility would undoubtedly push them to perform at their best. The idea of living up to a legacy would be ingrained in them, driving their desire to improve, compete, and lead.

Additionally, passing along the No. 25 jersey would encourage other players to push for greatness as well. If there’s a tangible goal tied to the No. 25, other athletes might feel inspired to aim higher, knowing that wearing this jersey is more than just a number—it’s a testament to who they are as a player and what they’ve done for the program.

4. Building a Stronger Fanbase and Emotional Connection

For fans, there’s an emotional connection that forms when they can see a jersey number passed down through the generations. LSU Softball fans already have a special bond with the program, but the passing down of the No. 25 jersey would allow fans to emotionally invest in the journey of each new player who wears it. Just as they watched Sanders and Andrews excel in the No. 25, fans would now follow a new player’s progress and growth, becoming personally invested in their success.

The continuity of the No. 25 jersey would build a sense of collective pride among fans. Each time a new player wears the jersey, fans would have the chance to reflect on the great players who wore it before, as well as look forward to what the new athlete can contribute to the legacy of LSU Softball. It would forge a deeper connection between the team and its supporters, as fans are a part of the story unfolding before them.

5. Practical Considerations: How It Could Work

Implementing the tradition of passing along the No. 25 jersey wouldn’t be complicated. Each year, a player who embodies the same qualities of leadership, excellence, and impact as past No. 25 jersey holders would be selected. This decision could be made by a committee consisting of coaches, staff, and former players—someone who exemplifies the values that the No. 25 jersey represents.

Once the player is chosen, they would wear the jersey with pride and continue the tradition. The player would also be expected to help mentor younger athletes and serve as a leader on and off the field. This process would allow the jersey to evolve with each generation while remaining rooted in the values that LSU Softball holds dear.