For the first time in 14 years, Vanderbilt hosted an NCAA Tournament game at Memorial Gymnasium — and fans showed up ready to celebrate the Women’s Basketball team’s historic season. 

No. 2-seed Vanderbilt (29-4, 13-3 SEC) defeated No. 15-seed High Point and No. 7-seed Illinois to advance to the Sweet 16, continuing one of the most successful seasons in program history. 

The Commodores went 27-4 in the regular season, going undefeated at home for the first time in program history, while setting program records for both regular-season wins and conference victories. Attendance reflected the growing excitement around the team, with 5,527 fans attending the High Point game and 4,440 at the Illinois matchup — both above the team’s season average of 3,844. 

Jeff Jones, who has attended Vanderbilt games for 30 years, said the atmosphere inside Memorial Gym brought back memories. 

“It’s great. They’re good. I’ve got them going all the way [to the championship],” Jones said. “Memorial Magic means a lot to me — it’s the crowd. I was born and raised here. Memorial looks like it did back in the ’70s — it hasn’t changed a bit.” 

For some fans, the season has also been personal. Jessica Ray attended the game with her daughter, Hannah, and husband, Allen, continuing a growing family tradition of supporting the ’Dores. 

“This is our third season coming to games but our first season as season ticket holders,” Ray said. “It’s been amazing. However, it’s also been sad to me that they’re not getting the turnout that they deserve when the men fill this place up.” 

Ray said the team’s kindness toward her daughter over the past two seasons helped inspire the family to commit to season tickets. Hannah’s favorite player is Pissott, who makes a point to come see Hannah after every game.  

“Being able to see the growth of Sacha [Washington] and Justine [Pissott], Ndjakalenga coming here this year, the impact that Jada makes — it’s just great to see their development,” Ray said. “And then, of course, Mikayla [Blakes] — she continues to blow us away with the type of plays she can make.” 

She also said the energy from the crowd has made a noticeable difference throughout the season. 

“Being here when they upset LSU and the way they blew out Oklahoma and beat Texas — it’s just been really special to see the impact that the crowd truly does make,” Ray said. “These women deserve so many more people here to keep them hyped up and motivated.” 

Season ticket holder Craig Stewart said the team’s chemistry has been key to their success. 

“I’ve been a season ticket holder for two years, which coincides with the first season with Mikayla Blakes,” Stewart said. “I’ve been following Vanderbilt sports for 30 years, and this is the closest I’ve followed women’s basketball. It’s been very fun as a fan to watch the Commodores, particularly as they seem to be getting better each season. Their chemistry is the x-factor.” 

First-year Ryder Leiderman agreed, pointing to the energy inside Memorial. 

“I think the players have really great chemistry on the court,” Leiderman said. “This team has had an absolutely incredible season — and the players deserve a lot of credit for that. The vibes just feel different. This place is packed, everyone’s rooting on the Commodores. The vibes are just electric here.” 

He added that the support from across Nashville has stood out. 

“I think all of Nashville coming together to support a small school is really cool,” Leiderman said. 

First-year Bella Remy also touched on the impact this team has had on Commodore Nation as a whole.  

“It’s such a cool opportunity that our women have made it this far,” Remy said. “They’ve made such an impact on our school. I’m really excited to see how far they’ll go in the tournament.” 

Longtime fan Adam Kochanek praised head coach Shea Ralph, Blakes and Aubrey Galvan for making this tournament run possible.  

“It is the only thing I’ve ever dreamed of,” Kochanek said. “Since I became a Vanderbilt student, I’ve been watching this team, and Shea Ralph was the best hire we could’ve gotten. Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan are the best players in the country, the best backcourt in the country. I just couldn’t be happier. That’s why I’m in the front row.” 

When asked about team chemistry, Kochanek did not hesitate to share what he thinks makes this group special. 

“They all love and pour into each other so well,” Kochanek said. “We see it all the time while they’re on the bench. We see it in [post-game] interviews. They just cheer for each other, and they always bring it. It’s not just about skill. It’s about doing the right thing.” 

Junior Justin Blaylock said he recognized how far the Commodores have come in just two seasons.  

“It’s been great to see this team progress,” Blaylock said. “From the time two years ago, making it to the last four in, into this year, they are just dominating.” 

Fans now turn their attention to the Sweet 16, a stage the Black and Gold have not reached since 2009. The Commodores have already put together a historical season, featuring the SEC Player of the Year, SEC Coach of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year. However, Ralph and company have the chance to make even more history as they represent the Music City on a national stage.  

Vanderbilt travels to Fort Worth, Texas, to take on No. 6-seed Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 Friday, March 27, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.