The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University since 1888
Memorial Magic is back! Read more about the men's revamped roster and women's experienced team.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University since 1888
Memorial Magic is back! Read more about the men's revamped roster and women's experienced team.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University
Memorial Magic is back! Read more about the men's revamped roster and women's experienced team.
David Hernandez

David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst

David Hernandez (’26) is a student in the College of Arts & Sciences majoring in political science with minors in communication studies and legal studies. When not writing for the Hustler, David is an avid New York sports fan, enjoys playing sports and loves traveling. He can be reached at [email protected].

All content by David Hernandez
Tyler Tanner throws down a dunk against California, as photographed on Nov. 13, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Savannah Walske)

Men’s Basketball: Vanderbilt cruises past California 85-69

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Nov 13, 2024
Nick Rinaldi gets a sack on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. (Hustler Multimedia/Michael Tung)

Three Matchups to Watch: Vanderbilt vs. Auburn

By Henry Oelhafen and David Hernandez
Oct 30, 2024
Iyana Moore dribbles up the court, as photographed on March 30, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Mailbag: How high can they go?

By David Hernandez, Jayce Pollard, Henry Oelhafen, Connor Campbell, Grace Hall, Vincent Xu and Aiden Rutman
Oct 30, 2024
JaQualon Roberts celebrates his dunk on Florida, as photographed on March 9, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball Mailbag: Questions needing answers

By Aiden Rutman, David Hernandez, Grace Hall, Henry Oelhafen and Vincent Xu
Oct 30, 2024
Tim Beck is only in his third season as an offensive coordinator at the FBS Division 1 level. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

Film Room: Too many options

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Oct 17, 2024
Randon Fontenette celebrates his pick-six against Alabama, as photographed on Oct. 5, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Nikita Rohila)

SEC Power Rankings Week Seven: Rising temperatures

By David Hernandez and Tyler Chueh
Oct 10, 2024
Diego Pavia points to the student section, as photographed on Oct. 5, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Nikita Rohila)

Vanderbilt Football Mailbag: Madness on West End

By Aiden Rutman, David Hernandez, Grace Hall, Vincent Xu, Henry Oelhafen, Jayce Pollard and Jonah Barbin
Oct 8, 2024
AJ Newberry speeds into the end zone for a touchdown against No. 7 Missouri, as photographed on Sept. 21, 2024. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

Vanderbilt Football Mailbag: Riding the rollercoaster

By Aiden Rutman, Jayce Pollard, Henry Oelhafen, Grace Hall, Jonah Barbin, David Hernandez and Vincent Xu
Sep 30, 2024
Addie Porter fends off a Georgia defender, as photographed on Sept. 22, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Soccer: Vanderbilt suffers first loss of the year, falls to Georgia 1-0

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Sep 22, 2024
Hannah McLaughlin prepares to kick the ball, as photographed on Sept. 5, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Lana English)

SEC Soccer Power Rankings: Gearing up for conference play

By Ari Shamberg, Jillian Oresky and David Hernandez
Sep 12, 2024
Diego Pavia has taken the country by storm after leading Vanderbilt to a 2-0 start (Hustler Multimedia/Lily Martinez)

Diego Pavia: Overlooked no longer

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Sep 11, 2024
Live From West End is a weekly podcast presented by Hustler Sports. (Hustler Multimedia/Alexa White)

PODCAST: Pavia Pandemonium: Vanderbilt upsets Virginia Tech to open its season

By Jonah Barbin, Aiden Rutman and David Hernandez
Sep 2, 2024
Vanderbilt's Dontae Carter reaches for the ball, as photographed on August 20, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Vanderbilt Football Mailbag: Gearing up for the 2024 season

By Aiden Rutman, Grace Hall, Henry Oelhafen, Vincent Xu, Jayce Pollard, David Hernandez and Jonah Barbin
Aug 28, 2024
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 31: Vanderbilt Football has its first practice on July 31, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Avery Watson/Vanderbilt University)

Film Room: The ‘Maniac’ Diego Pavia

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Aug 13, 2024
Bryce Cunningham getting ready to pitch, as photographed on March 29, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Chloe Pryor)

Film Room: The arsenal of Bryce Cunningham

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jul 26, 2024
Bryce Cunningham throwing a pitch against Florida, as photographed on April 18, 2024. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

2024 MLB Draft: Right-handed pitcher Bryce Cunningham selected by New York Yankees in 2nd round

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jul 14, 2024
The Commodores celebrate a goal, as photographed on May 2, 2024. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

2023-24 Season Recap: Vanderbilt Lacrosse

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
May 6, 2024
Devin Futrell and Johnathan Vastine talking at the mound, as photographed on April 28, 2024 (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

VandyBoys lose series, falls to Mississippi State 8-7

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 28, 2024
Bryce Cunningham pitching for the Commodores, as photographed on April 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Kadyn Lee)

VandyBoys cruise by Mississippi State in series opener

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 26, 2024
Vanderbilt prepares for their game against Florida, as photographed on April 19, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Alondra Moya)

Three up, Three down: No. 11 Vanderbilt takes command against Florida

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 23, 2024
A crowd of excited Commodores celebrating Vanderbilt’s win post-game, as photographed on Mar 10, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Ophelia Lu)

Recruiting: Boston College transfer Devin McGlockton commits to Vanderbilt

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 22, 2024
Vanderbilt fans celebrate as photographed on Nov. 10, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Ophelia Lu)

Recruiting: Davidson graduate transfer Grant Huffman commits to Vanderbilt

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 19, 2024
Bryce Cunningham throwing a pitch against Florida, as photographed on April 18, 2024. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

No. 13 Vanderbilt prevails over Florida in series opener, 10-5

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 18, 2024
Brooke Baker attempts a shot, as photographed on April 13, 2024. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

Vanderbilt Lacrosse outlasts East Carolina 14-13

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 13, 2024
Kemper Robinson has been one of Vanderbilt's main keys to success this season. (Hustler Multimedia/Sofia El-Shammaa)

Kemper Robinson: The Destined Commodore

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 10, 2024
Kemper Robinson of the Commodores during the game, as photographed on March 30, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Alex Brodeur)

Vanderbilt Lacrosse outmatched by No. 11 Florida, loses 20-5

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Mar 30, 2024
Mark Byington speaks in his opening press conference. (Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics)

Vanderbilt lands first transfer commit from James Madison’s Jaylen Carey

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Mar 29, 2024
Iyana Moore brings the ball down court during Vanderbilt's matchup against Columbia during the First Four of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship, as photographed on March 20, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Film Room: Built to Dance

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Mar 22, 2024
Coach Shea Ralph talks to the team during a timeout, as captured on March 3, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Savannah Walske)

March Madness Mailbag: Commodores on the dance floor

By Andrew Wilf, Sam Curtis, Anish Mago, Grace Hall, Henry Oelhafen, Jayce Pollard and David Hernandez
Mar 20, 2024
Live From West End is a weekly podcast presented by Hustler Sports. (Hustler Multimedia/Alexa White)

PODCAST: Women’s Basketball goes dancing and Jerry Stackhouse is fired

By Andrew Wilf, Henry Oelhafen and David Hernandez
Mar 19, 2024
Paul Lewis signals to teammates during the game against Kentucky, as photographed on Feb. 6, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Nikita Rohila)

Vanderbilt guard Paul Lewis enters transfer portal

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Mar 18, 2024
Shea Ralph coaches in Vanderbilt’s matchup against LA Tech, as photographed on Dec. 3, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball exits SEC Tournament early, upset by Florida 62-59

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Mar 10, 2024
Ezra Manjon drives the ball down the court, as photographed on Feb. 21, 2024. (Hustler Photography/Miguel Beristain)

Men’s Basketball SEC Power Rankings: Turn up the music

By David Hernandez and Noah Sosinsky
Mar 3, 2024
Henry Oelhafen and David Hernandez talk about Vanderbilt's final game collapse against Gonzaga and other issues the VandyBoys face. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Anchor Analysis: Vanderbilt Baseball closes series against Gonzaga in dramatic fashion

By David Hernandez and Henry Oelhafen
Feb 25, 2024
Andrew Wilf and David Hernandez discuss Vanderbilt's loss, Jerry Stackhouse and more. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Anchor Analysis: A seat grows hotter with another Vanderbilt loss

By Andrew Wilf and David Hernandez
Feb 21, 2024
Vincent Xu and David Hernandez discuss Vanderbilt's series win over Florida Atlantic. (Hustler Multimedia/Lana English)

Anchor Analysis: Vanderbilt Baseball wins series against FAU

By David Hernandez and Vincent Xu
Feb 18, 2024
The VandyBoys celebrate a run in their victory over Florida Atlantic. (Hustler Multimedia/Lana English)

Vanderbilt closes opening series with a dominant win against FAU

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Feb 18, 2024
The Commodores celebrate a goal, as photographed on Feb. 17, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Anseley Philippe)

Vanderbilt Lacrosse starts season off hot, defeats Central Michigan 19-4

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Feb 17, 2024
The lacrosse team huddles, as photographed on Feb. 27, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Anseley Phillippe)

2024 Season Preview: Vanderbilt Lacrosse

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Feb 15, 2024
Davis Diaz giving Calvin Hewett a handshake with the image of Tim Corbin listening to the National Anthem. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

2024 Vanderbilt Baseball roster preview

By Andrew Wilf, Anish Mago, Sam Curtis, Henry Oelhafen, Jayce Pollard, Grace Hall and David Hernandez
Feb 14, 2024
Khamil Pierre drives to the basket, as photographed on Feb. 8, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Film Room: Reality check

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Feb 12, 2024
David Hernandez and Adam Burns analyze Vanderbilt's 85-62 loss to LSU. (Hustler Multimedia/Nikita Rohila)

Anchor Analysis: Vanderbilt is defeated by No. 13 LSU 85-62

By David Hernandez and Adam Burns
Feb 8, 2024
Jordyn Cambridge brings the ball up the court as photographed on Feb. 8, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Nikita Rohila)

Vanderbilt loses to No. 13 LSU 85-62, falls to 17-7

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Feb 8, 2024
Jordyn Oliver goes for a layup as photographed on Jan. 14, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball begins a three-game home stand against Ole Miss

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 30, 2024
Andrew Wilf and David Hernandez discuss Vanderbilt's 75-62 loss to the Volunteers on Jan. 27, 2024.(Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Anchor Analysis: Vanderbilt loses to Tennessee 75-62

By Andrew Wilf and David Hernandez
Jan 27, 2024
Jordyn Oliver goes for a layup, as photographed Jan. 14, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Vanderbilt travels to Columbia to take on No. 1 South Carolina

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 27, 2024
Ezra Manjon drives to the basket under pressure, as photographed on Jan. 17, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Film Room: Spiraling

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 25, 2024
Jason Rivera-Torres prepares to shoot, as photographed on Jan. 17, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Alysa Suleiman)

Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball aims to find stability on the road against Mississippi State

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 19, 2024
Faith Knelson has become a star in the water for the Vanderbilt Commodores. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

Faith Knelson: A head above water

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 18, 2024
Iyana Moore goes in for a layup, as photographed on Jan. 7, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Film Room: Dominant ‘Dores

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 14, 2024
Ezra Manjon dribbling against a USC Upstate defense, as photographed on Nov. 10, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Ophelia Lu)

Men’s Basketball Mailbag: Standouts, the hot seat and road play

By Andrew Wilf, Sam Curtis, Grace Hall and David Hernandez
Jan 11, 2024
Vanderbilt improved to 15-1 with Sunday's win over Florida. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Anchor Analysis: Vanderbilt beats Florida 63-57, moves to 2-0 in SEC

By Anish Mago and David Hernandez
Jan 7, 2024
Jordyn Cambridge drives past Florida defenders. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Vanderbilt slips by Florida 63-57, improves to 15-1

By David Hernandez, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 7, 2024
Vanderbilt lining up on offense on Nov. 25, 2023 against Tennessee. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Vanderbilt Football: Who is the future at QB?

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Nov 30, 2023
Ken Seals running against Auburn, as photographed on Nov. 4, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Geetika Komati)

SEC Power Rankings Week 13: From turf to theater

By Henry Oelhafen and David Hernandez
Nov 23, 2023
QB Hayden Moses charges while surrounded by UT defense, as captured on Nov. 26, 2022. (Hustler Photography/Miguel Beristain)

Three Matchups to Watch: Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Nov 22, 2023
Ezra Manjon shoots a 3-pointer during Vanderbilt's game against Presbyterian, as photographed on Nov. 7, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Men’s Basketball SEC Power Rankings: The journey to the dance commences

By David Hernandez and Noah Sosinsky
Nov 16, 2023
Jordyn Cambridge

Vanderbilt surges late past Western Kentucky, 77-74

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Nov 15, 2023
Andrew Wilf (left) and David Hernandez (right) broke down Vanderbilt’s 74-70 win over UNC Greensboro on Nov. 14, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Anchor Analysis: Men’s Basketball improves to 2-1, beats UNC Greensboro 74-70

By Andrew Wilf and David Hernandez
Nov 14, 2023
Deputy Sports Editor Aiden Rutman (right) and Staff Writer David Hernandez (left) debrief Vanderbilt's 74-67 victory over USC Upstate.

Anchor Analysis: Men’s Basketball defeats USC Upstate 74-67

By Aiden Rutman and David Hernandez
Nov 10, 2023
Ken Seals running a keeper against Auburn. (Hustler Multimedia/Geetika Komati)

Three Matchups to Watch: Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Nov 9, 2023
Ken Seals started his second game of the season against Florida. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

SEC Power Rankings Week 9: Trick or Treat

By Brandon Karp and David Hernandez
Oct 26, 2023
Trent Sherfield dives for the end zone but was marked short during Vanderbilt's 31-14 loss against Georgia, as photographed on September 12, 2015. (Hustler Multimedia/Ziyi Liu)

Three Matchups to Watch: Vanderbilt vs. Georgia

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Oct 12, 2023
Ella Eggleston scored Vanderbilts first goal in its 6-0 win over Texas A&M on Oct. 5, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Kasey Kautz)

Vanderbilt wins second SEC game, cruises past Texas A&M 6-0

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Oct 5, 2023
De'Rickey Wright provides stability and leadership to a young Vanderbilt team looking to improve on a slow start to the season. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

De’Rickey Wright: The anchor of the program

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Sep 29, 2023
Vanderbilt is defeated by the University of Kentucky on Saturday, November 11, 2017 (Hustler Multimedia/Claire Barnett).

Three Matchups to Watch: Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Sep 21, 2023
Logan Kyle running against Wake Forest Sept. 9, 2023 (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Press Conference Notes: Clark Lea reflects on Wake Forest loss, discusses UNLV matchup

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Sep 12, 2023
Quarterback AJ Swann and Tight End Josh Palmer celebrate during Vanderbilt's win over Alabama A&M on Sept. 2, 2023 (Hustler Multimedia/Nour Abida).

SEC Power Rankings Week Two: High Hopes & Higher Expectations

By Megan Curtis and David Hernandez
Sep 8, 2023
Vanderbilt Women's Club Rowing after their second place win at Head of the Charles, as photographed on Oct. 23, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Dillen Cameron)

Vanderbilt Rowing Club women’s team places second in women’s collegiate fours at world’s biggest regatta

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Oct 31, 2022
The cover art for “Entergalactic.” (Photo courtesy of @kidcudi on Instagram)

Kid Cudi leaves much to be desired with ‘Entergalactic’

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Oct 5, 2022
Bring Me the Horizon members jam out at Municipal Auditorium, captured on Sept. 28. 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Bring Me The Horizon takes Municipal Auditorium on a rollercoaster of a performance

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Oct 3, 2022
Vanderbilt defeats Northern Illinois 24-18 on September 28, 2019. Photo by Mattigan Kelly

Three Matchups to Watch: Vanderbilt vs. Northern Illinois

By David Hernandez, Staff Writer
Sep 16, 2022
Clark Lee addresses the team after Vanderbilt's battle with South Carolina. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

SEC Power Rankings Week One: Matchup previews

By David Hernandez and Noah Roslin
Sep 2, 2022
The album cover for “The Forever Story,” created by Naska Demini.

‘The Forever Story’ poetically paints the picture of JID’s chaotic upbringing

By David Hernandez
Aug 30, 2022