Vanderbilt's Shea Ralph and Mikayla Blakes Build Chemistry for Sweet 16 Run Shea Ralph and her star point guard Mikayla Blakes have become central figures in Vanderbilt’s historic season, guiding the Commodores to their first Sweet 16 appearance under Ralph’s coaching. Their dynamic relationship, both on and off the court, has been a key factor in the team’s success, with Blakes earning recognition as one of the nation’s top freshmen and a Naismith Award finalist. The pair’s partnership has drawn attention, particularly from Breanna Stewart, a former UConn star and New York Liberty forward, who shared insights into their bond. Stewart, who played alongside Ralph during her time at UConn, highlighted how Ralph’s coaching style mirrors her own competitive spirit. “Shea is a super competitive person, and she puts in the work as a coach to get the best out of her players,” Stewart explained. Ralph’s ability to challenge her teams to excel, Stewart noted, resonates deeply with players who have experienced championship success. “Coming from her being a former player who’s won a National Championship, it hits a little bit differently when you’ve been through it all.” Ralph’s tenure at UConn, spanning 13 seasons from 2008 to 2021, coincided with Geno Auriemma’s dominance, including four consecutive titles from 2012 to 2016. Her history of working with elite athletes is evident in her current role at Vanderbilt. Blakes, who joined the Commodores ahead of the 2024-25 season, has quickly become a standout player. She was named SEC Freshman of the Year, earned the USBWA Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Year award, and was a first-team All-American. Her sophomore season saw her secure SEC Player of the Year honors and a consensus All-American selection.#notre_dame #vanderbilt #mikayla_blakes #shea_ralph #breanna_stewart
Vanderbilt women's basketball gets Sweet 16 boost from AD Candice Story Lee Shea Ralph, the head coach of Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball team, has led the Commodores to their first Sweet 16 appearance in nearly two decades, a milestone she credits to the support and vision of athletic director Candice Storey Lee. Lee, who became the first woman and first Black woman to lead an SEC athletics department in 2020, has played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s success. Ralph emphasized that Lee’s commitment to maximizing the potential of student-athletes aligns with her own goals for the team. “It was the first time that I had heard a leader in her position, an athletic director, go so deep into how passionate she was about maximizing the true full potential of college student athletes,” Ralph said. Lee’s influence extends beyond coaching hires. She has made three impactful appointments, including Clark Lea, Mark Byington, and Ralph, each contributing to Vanderbilt’s athletic success. Under her leadership, the Commodores’ football team achieved a historic 10-win season for the first time in 122 years and produced a Heisman Trophy finalist. The women’s soccer team claimed an SEC championship, while both basketball teams have secured back-to-back 20-win seasons. Lee’s ability to foster a culture of excellence has been a cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s athletic achievements. The partnership between Lee and Ralph is rooted in shared values. Lee described Ralph as “playfully intense,” highlighting her blend of joy and dedication to the sport. “She’s joyful, she’s fun, she’s spirited, but she’s deeply, deeply intense and serious about her craft,” Lee said. Ralph echoed this sentiment, noting that the program’s success is built on relationships and community. “We are different,” she said. “It’s different.#sec #mikayla_blakes #vanderbilt_university #candice_story_lee #shea_ralph
