Vanderbilt University’s women’s basketball team celebrated a remarkable season on March 5, 2024, as they swept the Southeastern Conference (SEC) post-regular season awards. The Commodores received the three most prestigious honors: SEC Coach of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, and SEC Freshman of the Year. Head coach Shea Ralph was named SEC Coach of the Year, while Mikayla Blakes claimed SEC Player of the Year, and Aubrey Galvan was recognized as SEC Freshman of the Year.
This achievement reflects both Ralph’s coaching prowess and the outstanding performances by her players throughout the season. Under Ralph’s leadership, the Commodores finished the regular season with an impressive record of 27-3, setting a new program benchmark for most wins in a single season. Their journey began with a preseason ranking of No. 24 in the AP Top 25, where they were positioned behind six other SEC teams. While expectations were high for a solid season, the extent of their success took many by surprise.
Blakes earned her title as SEC Player of the Year by averaging over 30 points per game against a challenging SEC schedule, making her one of the standout players in collegiate basketball. With this accolade, she becomes only the second player in Vanderbilt history to achieve this honor, joining Chantelle Anderson, who won the award previously. Galvan, the team’s freshman point guard, has also made significant contributions, guiding the Commodores and positioning them as potential contenders for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. She is the fourth player in Vanderbilt history to be named SEC Freshman of the Year.
Vanderbilt’s historic sweep of the three major conference awards marks only the sixth time in SEC history that a single institution has achieved this feat. The last occurrence was during the 2013-2014 season. As they head into the SEC Tournament, Vanderbilt secured the No. 2 seed and is set to compete in their first match on Friday at 18:00 ET.
The accomplishments of Ralph, Blakes, and Galvan have not only elevated the Commodores’ standing in the SEC but also invigorated the fan base and the broader Vanderbilt community. The team’s success underscores the hard work and dedication put forth by the players and coaching staff throughout the season, and it positions them well for future challenges. As they prepare for the tournament, excitement continues to build around what this talented group can achieve next.
