Vanderbilt's Big Lift After Departures

Vanderbilt women’s basketball is poised for a breakout season as they chase their first Sweet Sixteen since 2009, anchored by SEC stars Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan. With three starters gone to pro and two transfers out, the Commodores are leaning on a loaded 2026 recruiting class led by top-16 recruit Olivia Jones, who could slot into a starting wing role. While Blakes and Galvan’s chemistry remains a strength, the team’s biggest challenge lies in the backcourt’s lack of size, making them vulnerable to taller opponents. In the frontcourt, Mia Woolfolk brings scoring and rebounding chops to fill the void left by Sacha Washington, while newcomers like Jhai Johnson add much-needed size, and defenders Aiyana Mitchell and Aalyah Del Rosario provide crucial rim protection. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a38f0ce788b7f2eb