Women’s Basketball: Mikayla Blakes named USBWA National Freshman of the Year

Blakes is the first Commodore to ever win the award.

Mikayla Blakes calls for a play, as photographed on March 21, 2025. (Hustler Multimedia/Connor Campbell)

By Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor

Mar 25, 2025

Mikayla Blakes has been named the Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association. She is the first Vanderbilt player to ever receive the award.

The award is the cherry on top of a special season for the New Jersey native, who averaged 23.3 points (first among all first-years), 3.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game during her first collegiate season. She was named an All-American by the USBWA, along with five other publications. Blakes was also named the SEC Freshman of the Year, a member of the All-SEC First-Team and a member of the All-SEC Freshman Team.

Mikayla Blakes shoots a layup, as photographed on Jan. 23, 2025. (Hustler Multimedia/Meagan To) (Meagan To)

Blakes broke the NCAA Freshman scoring record twice this season with 53 and 55-point performances against Florida and Auburn, respectively. She was named the Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Week four times.

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 aiden.s.rutman@vanderbilt.edu.

Connor Campbell, Senior Staffer

Connor Campbell (’25) is a human and organizational development and cinema and media arts major from Staten Island, N.Y. Connor shares a strong love for both sports and film, leading to his interest in The Ringer and, consequently, his casual and quippy style of writing. Outside of The Hustler, Connor does freelance photography, runs the social media accounts for Vanderbilt Club Hockey and Camp Kesem’s Vanderbilt Chapter and is the president of Vanderbilt Tap That. You can reach him at connor.v.campbell@vanderbilt.edu.

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