IN PHOTOS: Buzzer-beaters to Base Hits

Finishing with March Madness appearances, the Commodores look back to a memorable season

By Ophelia Lu, Deputy Photography Editor

Mar 30, 2025

Fans cheer during the first round of the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament in Cleveland, Ohio, as captured on March 21, 2025 (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Miguel Beristain

Vanderbilt officially wrapped up its basketball season with appearances in both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. Each team earned an at-large bid and competed in the Round of 64. Meanwhile, the VandyBoys are charging ahead into SEC play with a strong early-season performance.

Men’s basketball

It was a season to remember for the Commodores, as head coach Mark Byington and his players breathed new life into a program long absent from the national stage. For the first time since 2017, Vanderbilt earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team notched four regular-season wins over AP Top 15 opponents — an impressive feat that helped secure their place in the Big Dance. Although the Commodores fell in a hard-fought first-round matchup against No. 7-seeded St. Mary’s, they reignited excitement among Black and Gold faithful. With a solid core of returning players, the program is poised to build on its momentum for an even stronger season ahead.

Women’s basketball

The women’s basketball team earned a No. 7 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament, receiving the second-straight NCAA bid for the first time since the 2013 season. Head coach Shea Ralph has built a team with immense talent and potential: from the multiple All-American honor receiver Mikayla Blakes to the sharpshooter Khamil Pierre, the Commodore nation is witnessing a generational turnaround for an SEC bottom-feeder back to its previous success.

Baseball

The VandyBoys secured a season record of 15-3 in non-conference play before they started the official SEC slate. Despite dropping their first conference series to Auburn, the Commodores bounced back with a statement series win over Texas A&M. Looking ahead, they’ll face off against Arkansas beginning on March 28.

The Air Force Series

St. Mary’s, Bonaventure, and Belmont

The Texas Series

Track & Field

Vanderbilt Tack and Field team concluded its indoor SEC season in Texas, finishing in a tie for 14th place with Missouri. As they shift focus to the outdoor season, the Commodores are gearing up to compete in the Texas Relays and Raleigh Relays, hosted by the University of Texas at Austin and NC State, respectively.

About the Contributors

Ophelia Lu, Deputy Photography Editor

Ophelia Lu (’26) is from Los Angeles and is double majoring in biomedical and electrical engineering in the School of Engineering. She previously served as a staff photographer. When not covering events and sports games for The Hustler, you can find her listening to a lot of music, studying at Starbucks or lying on Alumni lawn. She can be reached at yifei.lu@vanderbilt.edu.

Michael Tung, Staff Photographer

Michael Tung (’26) is majoring in computer science. He is currently a staff photographer and is originally from Dublin, Ohio. His interests are photography, engineering, all things aerospace and music. He can be reached at michael.tung@vanderbilt.edu.

Harmony Wang, Staff Photographer

Harmony Wang (’26) is from Taipei, Taiwan, and studies human and organizational development, political science and data science at Peabody College. When not shooting athletics events for The Hustler or freelance work, you can find her in the gym, spending time in nature and running to get her third coffee of the day. She can be reached at ping.hua.wang@vanderbilt.edu.

Sambodh Sinha, Deputy Videography Editor

Sambodh Sinha (’28) is from Pittsburgh and is planning to major in biology and computer science. When not studying in Divinity Library, you can find him lifting in the Rec, meditating outside Sutherland House or enjoying a delicious meal at EBI. Originally from South London, he is an avid fan of both types of football. You can reach him at sambodh.sinha@vanderbilt.edu.

Alex Brodeur, Music Correspondant

Alex Brodeur (‘27) is a student in the College of Arts and Science majoring in culture, advocacy and leadership and minoring in art history and musicology. When not taking photos for The Hustler, you can find him performing with the Spirit of Gold Marching Band, visiting museums with the History of Art Society or attending concerts. He can be reached at alexander.t.brodeur@vanderbilt.edu.

Payton Ohler, Staff Photographer

Payton Ohler (‘27) is double majoring in civil engineering and climate studies. She is from Houston and loves to run, watercolor, bake anything pumpkin flavored and compete with fellow staffer Lana English on the NYT word games. She can be reached at payton.m.ohler@vanderbilt.edu.

George Albu, Deputy Opinion Editor

George Albu (‘27) is majoring in medicine, health and society in the College of Arts and Science. When not working for The Hustler, he enjoys watching video essays, exploring Nashville and going to the Rec. He can be reached at george.c.albu@vanderbilt.edu.

Miguel Beristain, Senior Staffer

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 miguel.a.beristain@vanderbilt.edu.

Barrie Barto, Editor-in-Chief

Barrie Barto (’25) is majoring in medicine, health & society and communication of science & technology with a neuroscience minor in the College of Arts and Science. She previously served as Photography Director. When she’s not hiking in Percy Warner, you can find Barrie cheering on the St. Louis Blues or tracking down the best gluten-free food in Nashville. She can be reached at barbara.a.barto@vanderbilt.edu.

Jackson Blunt, Staff Photographer

Jackson Blunt (’28) is a first-year from Seattle, Washington, in the School of Engineering. He is majoring in computer engineering with a double major in economics. Outside of school and The Hustler, Jackson enjoys running, exploring new coffee spots and darkroom printmaking. He can be reached at jackson.a.blunt@vanderbilt.edu.

Meagan To, Staff Photographer

Meagan To (’28) is from San Francisco and is planning to major in medicine, health & society on the pre-dental track. When not taking photos for The Hustler, you can find Meagan exploring scenic spots, trying new matcha cafes and FaceTiming her dog. She can be reached at meagan.f.to@vanderbilt.edu.

Sarah Nipper, Staff Writer

Sarah Nipper is a sophomore from Johnson City, Tennessee, and is double majoring in English and communication studies. When not writing for The Hustler, she can be found hiking in the Appalachian mountains, reading or playing pickleball. You can reach her at sarah.h.nipper@vanderbilt.edu.

Emily Park, Staff Writer and Photographer

Emily Park (’28) is from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and is majoring in engineering science in the School of Engineering. In her free time, she enjoys baking, swimming and traveling. You can reach her at emily.j.park@vanderbilt.edu.

Lana English, Multimedia Copy Editor

Lana English (‘27) is from St. Louis and is majoring in neuroscience and minoring in Data Science and History in the College of Arts and Science. Outside of The Hustler, you can find her drinking coffee, playing NYT word games, listening to the Binchtopia podcast or getting nostalgic looking at old pictures. You can reach her at lana.k.english@vanderbilt.edu.

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