Shea Ralph has signed a contract extension with Vanderbilt women's basketball after leading the team to its first Sweet 16 since 2009. This extension follows her recognition as national coach of the year by multiple organizations.
Key points
Shea Ralph signed a contract extension with Vanderbilt women's basketball.
Ralph led the team to its first Sweet 16 since 2009.
She was named national coach of the year by multiple organizations.
The terms of the contract are not publicly disclosed.
Mentioned in this story
Shea Ralph
Vanderbilt women's basketball
Shea Ralph signs contract extension with Vanderbilt women's basketball
Shea Ralph of Vanderbilt women's basketball signed a contract extension after leading the Commodores to their first Sweet 16 since 2009, the school announced April 22.
Ralph had previously signed an extension in October 2024, but the new one comes on the heels of Ralph being named national coach of the year by the AP, Naismith Committee and USBWA.
The terms of both the original and new extensions are not known because Vanderbilt is a private school and not required to release contract terms.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Shea Ralph during the first quarter SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Friday, March 6, 2026.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Shea Ralph is escorted to the locker room, during the fourth quarter SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Friday, March 6, 2026.
Q&A
What achievements led to Shea Ralph's contract extension at Vanderbilt?
Shea Ralph's contract extension was influenced by her leadership in guiding Vanderbilt women's basketball to its first Sweet 16 since 2009 and being named national coach of the year.
When did Shea Ralph previously sign an extension with Vanderbilt?
Shea Ralph had previously signed a contract extension in October 2024 before her latest extension announcement.
What are the terms of Shea Ralph's contract extension with Vanderbilt?
The terms of Shea Ralph's contract extension are not publicly known as Vanderbilt is a private school and not required to disclose contract details.
Who recognized Shea Ralph as national coach of the year?
Shea Ralph was recognized as national coach of the year by the Associated Press, Naismith Committee, and USBWA.
Related Articles
NHL·Recap
Pens' Crosby: 'Urgency is heightened' down 0-2
Crosby emphasizes urgency for Penguins as they face 0-2 deficit against Flyers.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Kyle Pitts trade scenario gets Falcons back their first-round pick
Atlanta Falcons may trade Kyle Pitts to regain a first-round pick.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Can versatile Jack Kelly become the next great BYU linebacker in the NFL?
Can Jack Kelly become the next standout BYU linebacker in the NFL?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
With a wink, 76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe has quickly found his playoff footing
76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe impresses with 30 points in playoff win
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Georgia football trending for elite 4-star safety
Georgia Bulldogs trending for elite 4-star safety Jarrell Chandler after visit
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Red Sox's Recent Yankees Woes Continue With Eerie Case Of Deja Vu
Red Sox's 2026 season starts with a 4-0 loss to Yankees, echoing last year's defeat.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Shea Ralph gathers players for a huddle after being ejected from the game and before being escorted to the locker room, during the fourth quarter SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Friday, March 6, 2026.
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph during the NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph talking with Vanderbilt guard Aubrey Galvan (3) during the NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Vanderbilt forward Sacha Washington (35) embraces coach Shea Ralph after being taken out of the game during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 85-60.
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph and guard Aubrey Galvan (3) celebrate defeating Texas at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph disputes a call during the fourth quarter against Florida at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph coach Shea Ralph gestures to her players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Auburn at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph talks with guard Aubrey Galvan (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph prepares to embrace Vanderbilt University Athletics Director Candice Storey Lee after beating Louisiana State University at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph celebrates with fans after beating Louisiana State at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Vanderbilt Coach, Shea Ralph, hugs Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt's Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
Vanderbilt's head coach Shea Ralph looks on during the exhibition game between Vanderbilt and Memphis during the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic at FedExForum on October 27, 2025.
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph directs her team against the Tennessee Lady Vols during the first half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph works with her team against the South Carolina during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face South Carolina during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph argues a foul call as she talks with an official during an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face Arkansas during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph celebrates a play during the first quarter against Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph works the sidelines during the first quarter against Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph talks with forward Khamil Pierre (12) during an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph talks with forward Sacha Washington during an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Maysen Garrick spends time with her parents Vanderbilt women's basketball head coach Shea Ralph and associate head coach Tom Garrick after an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph encourages her players during a timeout against Appalachian State in an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph reacts during the win against Arizona at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph is interviewed by Paul Finebaum during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball vs Florida Gators in SEC Tournament on March 7, 2024, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC. Vanderbilt's Head Coach Shea Ralph on the court.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph signals her players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee Sunday, Feb.18, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph works the sideline during their game against Ole Miss at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.
Jan 28, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph directs her team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph disputes a call against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph encourages her players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kennesaw State Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt Coach Shea Ralph during the first quarter of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face LSU during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph encouraging her players during the NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph looks on during the first half against the Florida Gators at Billy Donovan Court at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 22, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
Vanderbilt womens head coach Shea Ralph on the sidelines as they play against MTSU during the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament, on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Vanderbilt womens head coach Shea Ralph argues a call at halftime as they play against MTSU during the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament, on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph works with her team against Murray State during the third quarter of the WNIT first round game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 17, 2022. Vanderbilt won 73-47.
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph celebrates with guard De'Mauri Flournoy (13) as they win the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game against Texas A&M in Nashville, Tenn. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph directs her players against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph agues a foul call with an official during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida at the womenÕs Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Florida won 53-52.
Vanderbilt forward Terren Frank (15) fouls Texas A&M guard Jordan Nixon (5) as Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph yells to her players as they face Missouri during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face Tennessee during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.
Vandy head coach Shea Ralph on the sideline during the game against MTSU, on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.
Vandy head coach Shea Ralph on the sideline during the game against MTSU on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.
1 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Head Coach Shea Ralph during the first quarter SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Friday, March 6, 2026.
1 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Head Coach Shea Ralph during the first quarter SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Friday, March 6, 2026.
2 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Head Coach Shea Ralph is escorted to the locker room, during the fourth quarter SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Friday, March 6, 2026.
3 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Head Coach Shea Ralph gathers players for a huddle after being ejected from the game and before being escorted to the locker room, during the fourth quarter SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina Friday, March 6, 2026.
4 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph during the NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
5 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph talking with Vanderbilt guard Aubrey Galvan (3) during the NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
6 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt forward Sacha Washington (35) embraces coach Shea Ralph after being taken out of the game during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 85-60.
7 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph and guard Aubrey Galvan (3) celebrate defeating Texas at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
8 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph disputes a call during the fourth quarter against Florida at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
9 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph coach Shea Ralph gestures to her players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Auburn at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
10 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph talks with guard Aubrey Galvan (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
11 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph prepares to embrace Vanderbilt University Athletics Director Candice Storey Lee after beating Louisiana State University at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
12 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph celebrates with fans after beating Louisiana State at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
13 / 49
Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women's basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt Coach, Shea Ralph, hugs Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt's Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
14 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt's head coach Shea Ralph looks on during the exhibition game between Vanderbilt and Memphis during the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic at FedExForum on October 27, 2025.
15 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph directs her team against the Tennessee Lady Vols during the first half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
16 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph works with her team against the South Carolina during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
17 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face South Carolina during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
18 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph argues a foul call as she talks with an official during an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
19 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face Arkansas during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
20 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph celebrates a play during the first quarter against Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
21 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph works the sidelines during the first quarter against Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
22 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph talks with forward Khamil Pierre (12) during an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
23 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph talks with forward Sacha Washington during an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
24 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Maysen Garrick spends time with her parents Vanderbilt women's basketball head coach Shea Ralph and associate head coach Tom Garrick after an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
25 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph encourages her players during a timeout against Appalachian State in an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
26 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph reacts during the win against Arizona at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
27 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
28 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph is interviewed by Paul Finebaum during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
29 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball vs Florida Gators in SEC Tournament on March 7, 2024, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC. Vanderbilt's Head Coach Shea Ralph on the court.
30 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph signals her players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee Sunday, Feb.18, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
31 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph works the sideline during their game against Ole Miss at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.
32 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Jan 28, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph directs her team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
33 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Jan 28, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph disputes a call against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
34 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph encourages her players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kennesaw State Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.
35 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Coach Shea Ralph during the first quarter of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
36 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face LSU during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.
37 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph encouraging her players during the NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn.
38 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Shea Ralph looks on during the first half against the Florida Gators at Billy Donovan Court at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 22, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
39 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt womens head coach Shea Ralph on the sidelines as they play against MTSU during the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament, on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
40 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt womens head coach Shea Ralph argues a call at halftime as they play against MTSU during the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament, on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
41 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph works with her team against Murray State during the third quarter of the WNIT first round game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 17, 2022. Vanderbilt won 73-47.
42 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball coach Shea Ralph celebrates with guard De'Mauri Flournoy (13) as they win the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game against Texas A&M in Nashville, Tenn. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
43 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph directs her players against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
44 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph agues a foul call with an official during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida at the womenÕs Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Florida won 53-52.
45 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt forward Terren Frank (15) fouls Texas A&M guard Jordan Nixon (5) as Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
46 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph yells to her players as they face Missouri during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022.
47 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph watches her team face Tennessee during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.
48 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vandy head coach Shea Ralph on the sideline during the game against MTSU, on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.
49 / 49
Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women's basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vandy head coach Shea Ralph on the sideline during the game against MTSU on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.
“Vanderbilt is built on bringing together the best people and brightest minds, and Shea Ralph exemplifies both,” athletic director Candice Lee said in a school release. “Five years ago, Shea was the first head coach hired after the launch of Vandy United, signaling our commitment to compete at the highest level across all programs. She has delivered on that vision and is the right leader to keep elevating our women’s basketball program while inspiring our broader community as we set the standard for women’s athletics.”
Ralph recruited and helped develop SEC Player of the Year Mikayla Blakes and SEC Freshman of the Year Aubrey Galvan. The Commodores have qualified for three straight NCAA tournaments and were a No. 2 seed in 2026.
Vanderbilt had its most SEC wins in program history in 2025-26, finishing with a 13-3 record, and went undefeated at home for the first time in program history. The Commodores hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, defeating High Point and Illinois.
“When I arrived in Nashville, I said it felt like it was only the beginning of something incredible. And as much growth as we’ve had, the best part of being at Vanderbilt is I still feel that way every day," Ralph said in the release. “Thanks to people who bought in and wanted to be part of building something to last, our best is still to come. Thanks to their trust, integrity and passion, we have the opportunity to compete for championships. And with an administration and supporters eager to invest in women, I’m excited about the opportunity ahead of us.”
