The Rise of Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball: A Stellar Start

Photo / Vanderbilt Athletics / #3 Aubrey Galvan and #1 Mikayla Blakes poised to lead Vandy to new heights.

By David Oglesby

NASHVILLE, TN - In the heart of Nashville, Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball team is turning heads this season. With a perfect 15–0 record, the No. 7 Commodores have begun 2026 with momentum that’s drawing national attention.

A dynamic duo: Blakes and Galvan shine

At the center of the surge are two standout players: Mikayla Blakes, a 5'8" guard from Somerset, New Jersey, and freshman Aubrey Galvan, a 5'6" guard from Deerfield, Illinois. Both were recently honored by the Southeastern Conference—Blakes as SEC Co-Player of the Week and Galvan as SEC Co-Freshman of the Week—recognition of their pivotal roles during a big week for Vanderbilt.

They were key in two signature wins: a convincing victory over Arkansas and a milestone upset of No. 5 LSU. Against LSU, the pair combined to score Vanderbilt’s final 13 points, powering the Commodores to their first win over a top-five team since 2008–09.

Mikayla Blakes: clutch performer

Blakes has been a dominant presence all season. Across two recent games she averaged 33.5 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 steals. Her showing against LSU stood out: 32 points overall, including 15 in the fourth quarter, and she shot 55.6% in that final stanza as Vanderbilt closed out a 65–61 win. Blakes also created the go-ahead 3-pointer for Galvan with just over two minutes remaining. The SEC weekly honor marked another milestone in what is shaping up as an impressive Vanderbilt career.

Aubrey Galvan: rising freshman

Galvan has quickly established herself as a go-to scorer and playmaker. She averaged 14.0 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 steals over the two-game stretch, and delivered 14 points and the decisive go-ahead 3 against LSU. In the Arkansas game she tied a career high by making four 3-pointers, underscoring her range and confidence in pressure moments.

The sky is the limit for this year's crew

As Vanderbilt prepares to face Missouri this Thursday at home, optimism is high. Coach Shea Ralph emphasized the collective nature of the team’s success: “I’m proud of this group,” she said, crediting the players’ shared effort. With momentum and chemistry on their side, Blakes, Galvan and the Commodores look poised to contend at the highest level this season.