A Champion’s Reception

LSU Women’s Basketball Team, Fans Celebrate First-Ever Title

Coach Kim Mulkey donned a sparkly purple jacket emblazoned with Tigers as she and her squad paraded across campus and down Victory Hill, while thousands clad in purple and gold lined the streets to celebrate the program’s first National Championship.

The parade ended, but the festivities continued as fans packed inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center to hear from the team as well as guest speakers, including Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.

“Louisiana always had faith in you, but more importantly, you had faith in yourselves, and you were smart enough to not listen to all of the experts who said you didn’t have a chance,” said Governor Edwards. “Instead, you worked hard, you demonstrated excellence, and you competed. And as a result, you won the first ever basketball National Championship in the history of Louisiana State University.”

Mayor Broome also stepped up to the podium to praise the Tigers and called up Coach Mulkey to present her the key to the city.

Outgoing senior guard Alexis Morris was the lone contributor that returned from last year’s roster. She thanked the Tiger faithful for the devotion they showed throughout the season.

"LSU, thank you. I appreciate your love, your unwavering support and for believing in us," Morris said. "I just want you all to know I love you with all my heart."

To close out the celebration, LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward presented Morris and the Tigers with the 2023 National Championship Trophy.

As Morris hoisted the trophy above her head, fireworks burst, golden streamers fell through the air, the LSU Bengal Brass Band began to play, and the team led the crowd in the “Geaux Tigers” cheer.

It was an iconic ending to a storybook chapter in the history of LSU sports, and when the Tigers take the floor next season, they will have a new name: Reigning National Champions.