Aalyah Del Rosario Stuns Fans with Return Announcement: “I’m Not Going Anywhere”
Baton Rouge, LA — The Pete Maravich Assembly Center erupted with cheers, camera flashes, and the electric buzz of anticipation as LSU Tigers star forward Aalyah Del Rosario stood before a packed crowd and made a declaration that sent shockwaves through the world of college basketball: “I’m not going anywhere.”
In an era where player mobility is at an all-time high, with athletes frequently entering the transfer portal or declaring for the pros, Del Rosario’s bold decision to remain at LSU for the 2025-26 season has reinvigorated the Tiger faithful and redefined what loyalty and commitment can mean in college sports.
A Moment for the Ages
The announcement came during a team celebration event honoring the Tigers’ recent NCAA tournament run. Fans, alumni, and media packed the PMAC in what was expected to be a night of celebration and reflection. Instead, they were treated to one of the most heartfelt and unexpected moments in recent LSU women’s basketball history.
“I’ve thought long and hard about what’s next for me,” Del Rosario said from the podium, voice strong, eyes sparkling with purpose. “I’ve talked with my family, my coaches, and most importantly, I’ve listened to my heart. I’m staying home. I’m staying with LSU. I’m not going anywhere.”
The moment was met with a thunderous standing ovation. Her teammates embraced her with tears, joy, and admiration, while Head Coach Kim Mulkey stood proudly nearby, visibly emotional.
The Rising Star of the SEC
Aalyah Del Rosario has been one of the standout performers in the Southeastern Conference since she first donned the purple and gold jersey. At 6-foot-6, the Dominican-American powerhouse has dominated in the paint, using her size, agility, and basketball IQ to become a double-double machine. During the 2024-25 season, she averaged 17.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, establishing herself as one of the most dominant centers in the country.
More than just stats, her leadership and quiet tenacity have made her a cornerstone of the team’s identity. She’s a player who leads by example, dives for loose balls, and makes the extra pass. Her humility and team-first attitude have endeared her to fans and teammates alike.
Kim Mulkey’s Reaction
Following the announcement, Coach Kim Mulkey addressed the crowd, her pride unmistakable.
“Let me tell y’all something,” Mulkey began, pausing to collect herself. “This young woman is special—not just because she’s one of the best players in the nation, but because of her heart, her grit, and her belief in what we’re building here at LSU. When she told me she was coming back, I promised her one thing: we’re going to make it count. We’re going to fight for it all.”
Mulkey, who has built a reputation as one of the most passionate and driven coaches in the sport, clearly sees Del Rosario’s return as a vital piece in her program’s push for another national title.
Why Stay?
In the modern NCAA landscape, where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, professional prospects, and transfers influence decision-making, Del Rosario’s choice is both rare and refreshing. She could have easily declared for the WNBA draft, where she was projected as a top-5 pick, or transferred to another elite program. But her reasons for staying were rooted in something deeper.
“I’ve grown so much here—on and off the court,” Del Rosario said. “Baton Rouge is home now. The fans, the coaches, my teammates—they’re family. And I don’t feel like I’m done yet. There’s more work to do. More history to make.”
It’s a sentiment that resonated deeply with the LSU faithful. In a time when fanbases often feel like they’re merely stepping stones in an athlete’s journey, Del Rosario’s declaration reminded everyone of what college sports can still be—about loyalty, growth, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself.
Impact on the Program
Del Rosario’s return changes everything for the Tigers’ outlook in 2025-26. With several key players graduating or declaring for the draft, her leadership and experience will serve as the bedrock for what’s expected to be a retooled and reloaded squad. Add to that LSU’s consistently strong recruiting pipeline, and the Tigers look primed to remain in national title conversations.
“She’s not just coming back—she’s coming back to lead,” said assistant coach Gary Redus II. “This is her team now. And when your best player is also your hardest worker, that sets the tone for everyone else.”
Recruiting-wise, the announcement has ripple effects. Potential recruits and current commits see stability, vision, and ambition. There’s no doubt that top-tier high school talent will view LSU as not just a launching pad, but a destination.
Fans React
Social media lit up within minutes of Del Rosario’s announcement. Hashtags like #NotGoingAnywhere, #GeauxTigers, and #AalyahReturns began trending across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. LSU fans, alumni, and even former players expressed their excitement and admiration.
“It’s bigger than basketball,” one fan tweeted. “Aalyah Del Rosario just reminded us what it means to believe in something. Let’s run it back, Tigers!”
LSU’s official athletics account posted a highlight reel of Del Rosario’s best plays from the past season, captioned simply: “One more year. Let’s do this.”
Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season
With Del Rosario anchoring the frontcourt, LSU heads into the upcoming season with one of the most formidable rosters in the nation. Questions remain about the point guard position and wing depth, but the program’s culture of development and the coaching prowess of Kim Mulkey inspire confidence.
Beyond her individual dominance, Del Rosario will also be tasked with mentoring a new generation of LSU talent. As she steps fully into her role as a team leader, she becomes not just the face of the program, but one of the defining figures in women’s college basketball.
The Legacy in the Making
Aalyah Del Rosario’s legacy at LSU is already well-established. She’s a champion, an All-American, and a fan favorite. But now, with one more season in Baton Rouge, she has the chance to elevate that legacy into the realm of legend.
In choosing to stay, she’s making a statement not only about her own journey but about the value of commitment, perseverance, and belief in a shared goal. She’s not chasing the spotlight—it’s finding her anyway.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on LSU—and more specifically, on #12 in purple and gold. And if her words are any indication, Del Rosario is ready to lead the charge: “We’re not done. Let’s go win it all.”
