PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: Almost springtime

This week’s photos capture campus life from rivalry basketball and dominant baseball performances to a Global Day for Action protest calling for freedom in Iran.

George Albu

West End Tower and Zeppos College stand in the sun on a windy day, as photographed Feb. 22, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/George Albu)

By Shayna Kar, Deputy Photography Editor

Feb 23, 2026

Over the course of the week, a sold-out rivalry matchup at Memorial Gym and dominant performances at Hawkins Field highlighted Vanderbilt athletics, with Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball facing Tennessee and Vanderbilt Baseball opening its home season with a string of run-rule victories. Beyond sports, community members gathered outside the Frist Art Museum for a Global Day for Action, joining protests around the world to raise awareness and express solidarity with calls for freedom in Iran.

Commodores roll in home opener at Hawkins Field

Vanderbilt Baseball opened its 2026 home slate at Hawkins Field Feb. 17, hosting Eastern Michigan. After early-season losses, the Commodores bounced back dominantly, defeating the Eagles 13-2. The Commodores then welcomed Marist for their first home weekend series of the season. Vanderbilt secured a 16-5 run-rule victory in the series opener to move to 1-0 on the weekend. The team continued its momentum in the second game, extending its winning streak to four with a 12-1 run-rule win.

Rivalry showdown in Memorial

No. 19 Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball faced archrival Tennessee in a sold-out Memorial Gymnasium Feb. 21. The matchup remained closely contested through the second half as each team traded consistent blows. A missed game-tying 3-pointer in the final moments sealed the outcome for the Volunteers. The Commodores fell to their in-state rival, 69–65, dropping to 21–6 on the season.

Global Day for Action for Iran

Global Day for Action took place Feb. 14, with Iranian protesters gathering outside the Frist Art Museum. Demonstrators showed support for freedom in Iran and opposition to the Iranian government, joining similar protests held around the world to raise awareness of the country’s current situation. Protesters stood facing Broadway, holding signs as organizers led chants and periodically played Persian music over loudspeakers.

Editor’s Picks

As we prepare for the warmer months ahead, flowers have begun to blossom around campus, creating a colorful springtime atmosphere full of flowers. Sports fans were also seen cheering around campus, whether for the players or their own teammates, as we begin to close off the regular basketball season and begin the baseball season.

About the Contributors

Shayna Kar, Multimedia Director

Shayna Kar (’28) is from Goldens Bridge, New York, and is majoring in neuroscience and medicine, health & society in the College of Arts and Science. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, crocheting and watching movies. You can reach her at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

George Albu, Photography Editor

George Albu (‘27) is majoring in medicine, health and society in the College of Arts and Science. He previously served as Deputy Opinion Editor. When not working for The Hustler, he enjoys watching video essays, exploring Nashville and going to the Rec. He can be reached at [email protected].

Riley Croteau, Staff Writer

Riley Croteau (’29) is from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and is majoring in Child Development in Peabody College. She writes for the photo, life, and sports sections. Outside of The Hustler, she enjoys going to the beach, listening to music and hanging out with friends. She can be reached at [email protected].

Luis Tellez, Staff Photographer

Luis Tellez (‘28) is from McKenzie, Tennessee, and is double majoring in Spanish and human & organizational development. When not taking pictures for The Hustler, you can find him at every Vanderbilt sports event, watching the Tennessee Titans or listening to his favorite artist Dominic Fike.

Ella Shaham, Staff Photographer

Ella Shaham (‘28) is from New York City and plans to major in applied mathematics with minors in data science and Spanish in the College of Arts and Science. Outside of The Hustler, Ella loves dancing, playing the violin, rooting for the Yankees and spending time with friends. You can reach her at [email protected].

Paula Legisima, Staff Writer

Paula Legisima (’28) is from Las Vegas and is majoring in human & organizational development in Peabody College. Besides participating in The Hustler, she loves her involvement in the Momentum Dance Team, and you can find her shopping or eating out with friends. She can be reached at [email protected].

Siena Mahdi, Staff Photographer

Siena Mahdi (’29) is from Newport Beach, California, and is majoring in human and organizational development and cognitive studies with a business minor. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, and loves being active in the sun whenever she can. When she’s not studying, you can usually find her going on walks, listening to music or relaxing outside with friends. She can be reached at [email protected].

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