Women’s Basketball: Vanderbilt extends head coach Shea Ralph

Ralph’s contract extension comes before her fourth year leading the Commodores.

Coach Shea Ralph cheers from the sideline, as photographed on March 22, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor

Oct 14, 2024

Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball has extended head coach Shea Ralph’s contract, per a release. As a private institution, Vanderbilt did not reveal the terms of her current contract or extension.

“I look forward to continuing this journey with Shea Ralph,” athletic director Candice Storey Lee said. “As an athlete and rising star in the coaching ranks, Shea helped shape the tremendous growth of women’s basketball now evident across the country.”

Ralph has posted a 51-48 record at Vanderbilt, highlighted by a 33-17 record in Memorial Gymnasium. The Commodores’ 23-10 (9-7) record in the 2023-24 season marked their best in Ralph’s brief tenure.

The extension comes after Ralph led her team to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where it defeated Columbia in the First Four of the event. While the Commodores ultimately fell to Baylor in the Round of 64, the season marked their most successful in over a decade. It was the first time the ‘Dores won an NCAA Tournament game since 2011.

𝐑𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝

We’re excited to announce a contract extension for head coach @SheaRalph!!!

⚓️⬇️#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/gdykkzntku

— Vanderbilt WBB (@VandyWBB) October 14, 2024

Raph and the rest of Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball will tip off their season on Monday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. CDT when it takes on Lipscomb in Memorial Gymnasium.

About the Contributors

Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor

Aiden Rutman (‘25) is a student in Peabody College majoring in human and organizational development and minoring in communication studies. He formerly produced The Hustler’s sports podcast, Live from West End. In addition to writing and podcasting, Aiden is an avid New York sports fan. He loves playing sports, spending time outdoors and trying new foods. You can reach him at [email protected].

Miguel Beristain, Senior Staff Photographer

Miguel Beristain (’25) is a philosophy major in the College of Arts and Science from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. When not shooting for The Hustler, he can usually be found hammocking on Alumni Lawn, exploring new restaurants or practicing guitar. He can be reached at [email protected].

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