“LSU Tigers star Aalyah Del Rosario declares, ‘I’m not going anywhere,’ excitement erupts at Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center. After making the brave choice, she is scheduled to return for the 2025–2026 season. Kim Mulkey, the head coach, has pledged to turn her into a dominant force on both ends of the court, solidifying LSU’s championship aspirations.”

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has received some incredibly exciting news that is sure to send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. Aalyah Del Rosario, one of the most promising young talents in women’s college basketball, has officially declared that she is staying at LSU for the 2025–2026 season. Her decision to remain with the Tigers has sparked waves of joy and excitement within the LSU community, as fans, coaches, and teammates alike look forward to what the future holds for this star player.

Del Rosario’s announcement came after much speculation about her future. As a top-tier talent with an already impressive resume, including national recognition for her on-court skills, there had been numerous reports and rumors about her potential move to the WNBA. However, the star center had other plans in mind. By publicly stating, “I’m not going anywhere,” Del Rosario has made it clear that she intends to build on her already stellar career with LSU, and the decision to return to Baton Rouge for another season has electrified the fanbase and the program itself.

A Moment of Triumph: Del Rosario’s Decision to Stay

The scene at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) was electric as Del Rosario made her declaration. The facility, often buzzing with energy for Tigers basketball games, erupted with cheers from the fans who had been anxiously waiting to hear whether their star player would return for another season. Del Rosario’s decision to stay was a monumental moment, not just for her but for the LSU program as a whole. Her commitment provides stability and excitement, allowing head coach Kim Mulkey and the Tigers’ coaching staff to focus on building a championship-contending team around their centerpiece.

Del Rosario, a towering presence at 6’5″, has been a force on both ends of the court for the Tigers since her arrival. Her elite scoring ability, dominant rebounding skills, and shot-blocking prowess make her one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball today. In just her first season, she made an immediate impact, helping LSU climb to the top of the SEC and the national rankings. By committing to return for the 2025–2026 season, Del Rosario is ensuring that the Tigers will continue to be a major player on the national stage for years to come.

Kim Mulkey’s Vision for Del Rosario’s Future

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, a Hall of Fame coach with multiple national championships under her belt, has made no secret of her vision for Del Rosario’s growth. She is fully aware of the extraordinary talent that the young star possesses, and she is committed to maximizing Del Rosario’s potential. After the announcement of Del Rosario’s return, Mulkey took to the podium to express her excitement about the future of the program and her plans for Del Rosario’s continued development.

“Having Aalyah back for another season is a game-changer for our program,” Mulkey said. “She’s already proven that she can dominate at the highest level, and now we have an incredible opportunity to work together and make her even more complete as a player. She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Her decision to stay with us speaks volumes about her dedication to the program, and it shows that she believes in what we’re building here at LSU.”

Mulkey’s praise for Del Rosario is well-deserved. The LSU coach has a track record of developing elite talent and turning them into future stars, and she has been working closely with Del Rosario to refine her already impressive game. As a dominant post presence, Del Rosario has the ability to take over games with her rebounding, defense, and scoring in the paint. However, Mulkey has emphasized the importance of further developing Del Rosario’s skills in other areas of her game, particularly her versatility and leadership on the floor.

In Mulkey’s vision, Del Rosario is not only a key player on both sides of the ball, but also someone who can inspire her teammates to elevate their games. The LSU program is centered around building a culture of toughness, resilience, and excellence, and Del Rosario embodies all of those qualities. Her leadership, coupled with her immense talent, will be crucial as LSU looks to compete for a national championship in the upcoming season.

The Impact of Del Rosario’s Return on LSU’s Championship Aspirations

Del Rosario’s decision to return for the 2025–2026 season has solidified LSU’s status as one of the favorites to win the national championship. The Tigers were already in the conversation after a stellar 2024 season, and with Del Rosario back in the fold, their chances of success have only improved. Her presence in the paint will continue to make LSU a formidable opponent, as she can dominate both offensively and defensively, making it difficult for opposing teams to find a way to counter her size and skill.

One of the key factors in LSU’s success will be the development of its supporting cast around Del Rosario. The Tigers have already established themselves as one of the top programs in the nation, thanks in large part to their strong recruiting efforts and Mulkey’s coaching acumen. With Del Rosario leading the charge, LSU will likely be even more dangerous as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Her ability to stretch the floor, control the glass, and block shots makes her one of the most versatile players in the game, and LSU’s success will undoubtedly hinge on her continued dominance in the paint.

But it’s not just Del Rosario’s individual skills that will drive LSU’s championship aspirations. The Tigers have a talented roster of players who complement her skill set, and Mulkey will be looking to build a cohesive unit that can work together to reach the ultimate goal. The team’s depth, both offensively and defensively, will be critical, and Del Rosario’s leadership and presence will be the anchor that holds everything together.

Del Rosario’s Legacy: Building on an Already Impressive Career

As Del Rosario prepares for her second season with LSU, she already has a remarkable legacy that she is continuing to build upon. Her decision to return and refine her skills in Baton Rouge speaks to her commitment to growth and her desire to reach her full potential as a player. Del Rosario’s story is still being written, but it is clear that she is poised to leave a lasting impact on the LSU program and college basketball as a whole.

Her already impressive list of accolades includes multiple SEC Player of the Week honors, All-American recognition, and numerous key performances in high-pressure moments. However, Del Rosario’s journey is far from over. Returning for another season will allow her to further hone her skills, elevate her game to new heights, and solidify her place among the greatest players in the history of LSU women’s basketball.

Del Rosario’s decision to stay at LSU is a testament to her character and her love for the game. She has the opportunity to become one of the most dominant forces in the sport, and LSU fans are excited to see how far she can go with another year of development under the guidance of Mulkey and her coaching staff.

The Future of LSU Women’s Basketball: A Bright Horizon

Aalyah Del Rosario’s decision to return to LSU for the 2025–2026 season has not only fueled excitement within the Tigers’ fanbase but has also provided a sense of optimism for the future of LSU women’s basketball. With Del Rosario anchoring the team, the Tigers are set to continue their ascent to the top of the college basketball world. LSU’s blend of elite talent, coaching, and leadership creates a championship-caliber program that is ready to compete for titles for years to come.

Del Rosario is just one piece of the puzzle, but her decision to remain at LSU is a major step toward ensuring that the Tigers remain at the forefront of women’s college basketball. As LSU prepares for the future, Del Rosario’s leadership, dominance, and commitment to the program will undoubtedly play a key role in the team’s success. Fans in Baton Rouge and beyond are eagerly anticipating another season of incredible basketball as Del Rosario leads the Tigers on their quest for greatness.

The road to the national championship just got a whole lot brighter for LSU, and it all starts with Aalyah Del Rosario. The 2025–2026 season promises to be an exciting one, and with Del Rosario at the helm, the Tigers are ready to make their mark on the basketball world.