BATON ROUGE, LA – LSU Tigers women’s basketball star Aneesah Morrow was overcome with emotion Wednesday night, breaking down in tears after receiving the prestigious Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence.
BATON ROUGE, LA – LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Star Aneesah Morrow Receives Prestigious Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence
In an emotional moment that has captured the hearts of sports fans nationwide, LSU Tigers women’s basketball star Aneesah Morrow was overcome with emotion Wednesday night as she received the highly coveted Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence. The award, which recognizes outstanding athletes for their excellence both on and off the court, was presented to Morrow at a packed ceremony in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As she took the stage, the normally composed and confident player was visibly moved, breaking down in tears as she accepted one of the most prestigious honors in collegiate basketball.
Morrow’s journey to receiving this award is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and dedication to both her athletic craft and her personal development. Her emotional response not only reflected the magnitude of the achievement but also highlighted the depth of the personal and professional challenges she has faced and overcome throughout her career.
The Pericous Maxwell Award, named after the late philanthropist and sports enthusiast Pericous Maxwell, is presented annually to a student-athlete who demonstrates exceptional skill, leadership, and academic excellence. The award also takes into account the recipient’s character and contributions to their community, making it one of the highest honors in college athletics. For Morrow, who has been a standout player for LSU’s women’s basketball team, receiving this recognition marks the culmination of a remarkable season, a journey that has seen her grow not only as a player but as a person.
The Rise of Aneesah Morrow: A Star in the Making
Before she became a household name in Baton Rouge, Morrow was already on the radar of basketball scouts across the country. Standing at 6-foot-1, Morrow has the ideal combination of size, strength, and skill that has made her one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball. Her versatility on the court, combined with an unrelenting work ethic, made her an immediate impact player for LSU upon joining the team.
Morrow’s basketball journey began in her hometown of Chicago, where she was known as a standout player at Simeon Career Academy. Her time in high school set the foundation for her success at the collegiate level. In high school, Morrow led her team to multiple state championships and received numerous individual accolades, including being named an All-American by several publications. Her ability to impact the game in various ways — from scoring to rebounding to defending — set her apart from many of her peers.
Upon arriving at LSU, Morrow quickly made her presence felt. From the outset, it was clear that she was a player who could dominate both ends of the floor. Whether it was her ability to score in the paint, her deadly mid-range jumper, or her lockdown defense, Morrow showed that she could do it all. Her explosive play and competitive nature helped LSU rise to national prominence, and it didn’t take long before she earned a starting spot on the team.
By her sophomore season, Morrow had firmly established herself as one of the premier players in the NCAA. She was consistently putting up impressive numbers, leading her team in scoring, rebounds, and steals, and garnering national attention for her performances. Her combination of athleticism and basketball IQ made her an essential part of LSU’s success, and it was no surprise when she was named to numerous All-American teams and honored with conference awards.
Despite the individual accolades and attention, Morrow remained grounded, focusing on her team’s success and the opportunities to grow both as a player and a person. It was this mindset that helped propel her to new heights during the 2024-2025 season, where her on-court performances reached another level, and her leadership qualities were recognized by both her coaches and teammates.
The Pericous Maxwell Award: A Recognition of Excellence
The Pericous Maxwell Award is not given solely for athletic achievement. While athletic performance is certainly a key factor in the selection process, the award also takes into account a student-athlete’s academic accomplishments, leadership both on and off the field, and their involvement in community service. The award was established to honor individuals who embody the values of excellence, hard work, and integrity. For Aneesah Morrow, the Pericous Maxwell Award is not just a recognition of her basketball prowess, but also a reflection of the type of person she has become during her time at LSU.
Throughout her career, Morrow has been committed to excelling in the classroom, maintaining a high GPA while also managing the demands of being a Division I athlete. Her dedication to academics is just as impressive as her basketball skills, and she has frequently spoken about the importance of balancing both aspects of her life. In addition to her academic achievements, Morrow has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives and community outreach programs, often working with youth basketball camps and mentoring young players who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
One of the key elements of the Pericous Maxwell Award is the recognition of an athlete’s leadership qualities. Morrow has been the heart and soul of the LSU women’s basketball team, both on and off the court. She has proven to be a vocal leader, inspiring her teammates with her work ethic, competitive spirit, and positivity. Her ability to lead by example has earned her the respect of her peers and coaches alike, and she has become a role model for aspiring athletes who look up to her both as a player and a person.
At the award ceremony, Morrow took a moment to reflect on her journey, and it was clear that the honor meant more to her than just another trophy to add to her collection. As she stood before her family, teammates, and LSU supporters, Morrow shared her gratitude for the people who had helped her get to this point — her coaches, her teammates, and her family, who have always supported her dreams.
“I’ve worked so hard for this moment, but it’s not just about me,” Morrow said, wiping away tears as she spoke. “This award represents everything I’ve learned along the way — about hard work, resilience, and the importance of giving back to others. I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my teammates, my coaches, and my family. This is a team achievement for me.”
Morrow’s emotional reaction was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that come with being a student-athlete. Her journey has not been without obstacles, but it is her unwavering determination and character that have set her apart. As she wiped away tears of joy, the LSU crowd erupted in applause, honoring a player who has not only excelled on the basketball court but has also become a beacon of excellence in every aspect of her life.
The Future of Aneesah Morrow and LSU Women’s Basketball
Aneesah Morrow’s future is incredibly bright. As one of the top players in college basketball, she has already solidified her place among the elite. She will likely continue to receive accolades and recognition throughout the remainder of her college career, and many anticipate that she will be a high pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. However, Morrow has shown that she is about more than just individual success. She has established herself as a leader, both on and off the court, and has the potential to leave a lasting legacy at LSU.
For LSU women’s basketball, Morrow’s excellence and leadership are helping to elevate the program to new heights. Under head coach Kim Mulkey, the Tigers have experienced a resurgence in recent years, and Morrow has been a central figure in that success. As LSU continues to build a championship-contending team, Morrow’s leadership will be crucial in helping to guide the Tigers toward further success.
