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Vanderbilt's Uncommon Rise: From Underdog to Top Seed Contender
25 Feb
Summary
- Sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes leads Division I with 26.6 PPG.
- Coach Shea Ralph transformed Vanderbilt into a title contender.
- The Commodores achieved the program's best start in history.
The Vanderbilt Commodores, under coach Shea Ralph, are having their best start in program history, positioning themselves as a top seed contender for March. Sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes leads Division I in scoring with 26.6 points per game, embodying coach Ralph's philosophy of pursuing an "uncommon" path to success. Ralph, who left a successful tenure at UConn, has revitalized the Vanderbilt program since her arrival in 2021.
Ralph's vision for Vanderbilt, which included a challenging six-year rebuilding plan, is now yielding significant results. The team's success is a testament to Blakes's individual brilliance and the culture Ralph has cultivated. This transformation includes improved team play, with the assist rate climbing significantly, indicating a more balanced offensive attack.
The Commodores' resurgence is marked by remarkable team harmony, exemplified by a recent game where all five starters scored at least 15 points, a feat rarely seen in the SEC. This contrasts with previous seasons where Blakes often carried the scoring load. As of late January 2026, Vanderbilt stands as one of only two undefeated teams remaining in Division I.
