In a thrilling announcement at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, LSU Tigers women’s basketball star Aalyah Del Rosario declared, “I’m not going anywhere,” confirming her decision to return for the 2025-26 season. This news brings a surge of excitement to the LSU community, especially after recent roster changes.
Del Rosario, a 6-foot-6 center from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, joined LSU as a five-star recruit in the 2023 class. She earned SEC All-Freshman honors in her first season, averaging 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Her standout performance included a 27-point, 10-rebound game against McNeese.
However, the 2024-25 season saw a reduction in her role, with Del Rosario averaging 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds over 25 games. She played an average of 6.4 minutes per game, indicating a shift from her previous contributions.
Del Rosario’s decision to stay is particularly significant amid several departures from the team. Forward Jersey Wolfenbarger entered the transfer portal after averaging 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in the 2024-25 season. Additionally, Del Rosario herself had previously entered the transfer portal, indicating a potential departure before deciding to return.
Head coach Kim Mulkey has expressed her commitment to Del Rosario’s development, acknowledging her potential and the challenges she faced adjusting to the collegiate level. Mulkey noted Del Rosario’s progress in conditioning and agility, highlighting her improved mobility and confidence on the court.
With Del Rosario’s return, the Tigers bolster their frontcourt for the upcoming season. Her height and skill set provide a valuable presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. As the team navigates roster changes, Del Rosario’s experience and potential offer a stabilizing force and a foundation for building a competitive lineup.
The LSU Tigers and their fans eagerly anticipate Del Rosario’s contributions in the 2025-26 season, hopeful that her growth and leadership will propel the team to new heights.
