Vanderbilt women's basketball builds roster around Mikayla Blakes for 2026-27

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 9:48 PM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

Vanderbilt women's basketball builds roster around Mikayla Blakes for 2026-27
Summary

Vanderbilt women's basketball head coach Shea Ralph focuses on creating a balanced roster for the 2026-27 season around star player Mikayla Blakes. Blakes, named the 2026 SEC Player of the Year, led the nation in scoring with 27 points per game last season. Despite losing key role players after reaching the Sweet 16, Ralph has added transfers Vernell Atamah and Mia Woolfolk, along with promising freshmen Olivia Jones, Jhai Johnson, and Sther Ubaka. Ralph aims to expand Woolfolk's perimeter game, and Jones' early performances have drawn comparisons to Blakes. Vanderbilt looks to build on last year’s success with a more versatile lineup.

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By the Numbers
  • •Mikayla Blakes was the 2026 SEC Player of the Year.
  • •Vanderbilt reached the Sweet 16 in the previous season.
  • •Transfers Vernell Atamah and Mia Woolfolk join the roster.
  • •Freshman Olivia Jones is noted for her impact in practice.
  • •The team seeks to improve versatility and scoring options.
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  • 9:48 PMYahoo Sports — How Shea Ralph built Vanderbilt women's basketball roster around Mikayla Blakes
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Here's how Shea Ralph built her Vanderbilt women's basketball roster in 2026-27 around Mikayla Blakes.

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