Vanderbilt's Shea Ralph Named AP Women's Basketball Coach of the Year

Ralph led the Commodores to a 29-5 season and Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:23pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of a women's basketball game.Vanderbilt's high-octane offense and stifling defense fueled their remarkable turnaround season under Coach of the Year Shea Ralph.Today in Nashville

Shea Ralph of Vanderbilt was named The Associated Press women's basketball Coach of the Year on Thursday after turning the Commodores into one of the top teams in the nation. Ralph led a team that returned just one starter to the most successful season in school history, going 29-5 with 13 wins in the rugged SEC schedule.

Why it matters

Ralph's recognition as Coach of the Year highlights Vanderbilt's remarkable turnaround under her leadership, transforming a team with limited returning talent into a 29-win squad that reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. This achievement showcases Ralph's coaching acumen and Vanderbilt's commitment to investing in women's basketball.

The details

The Commodores finished tied for second in the SEC, matching the best finish in program history, and earned a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament. They were led by All-America guard Mikayla Blakes and won seven games over ranked opponents during their 20-0 start to the season.

  • Vanderbilt went 29-5 during the 2025-26 season.
  • The Commodores reached the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
  • Shea Ralph was named AP Women's Basketball Coach of the Year on April 2, 2026.

The players

Shea Ralph

The head coach of the Vanderbilt women's basketball team who was named AP Coach of the Year after leading the Commodores to a 29-5 season and Sweet 16 appearance.

Mikayla Blakes

The All-America guard who was a key player for Vanderbilt during their successful 2025-26 campaign.

Geno Auriemma

The legendary UConn women's basketball coach who received two votes for AP Coach of the Year, as Ralph's mentor.

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What they’re saying

“It's wild. It's hard to wrap my mind around it. This whole year we haven't slowed down. I love basketball, I love the group that I coach. I love they stayed with me. It's been hard and it's been challenging, but in a good way.”

— Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt Head Coach

“She's someone you would want to run through a brick wall for. She has bought so much into us that it's only right that we continue to fight in this game for her, and she's someone who in tough moments you want to lean on. And that's the reason why I came here.”

— Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt Guard

What’s next

Vanderbilt will look to build on their successful 2025-26 season and make another deep run in the 2027 NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Shea Ralph's recognition as AP Coach of the Year underscores Vanderbilt's commitment to investing in women's basketball and Ralph's ability to quickly transform the program into a national contender. The Commodores' remarkable turnaround season showcases the impact a dedicated coach can have in elevating a team to new heights.