It’s hard to find a better young backcourt in women’s college basketball than Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan.
In her podium session at SEC Basketball Tipoff ’27 at the Hotel Wildemont Birmingham, Alabama, Ralph called the duo “the best backcourt in the country.”
But there are still ways they can get even better.
Blakes was last season’s SEC Player of the Year and the 2026-27 SEC Preseason Player of the Year. She led the country in scoring at 27 points per game last season while adding on 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.9 steals per game.
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Galvan, the 2026 SEC Freshman of the Year, averaged 13.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.6 steals per game and was Vanderbilt’s starting point guard from the first game.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores shoots the ball Cassandre Prosper #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Dickies Arena on March 27, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
Vanderbilt guard Justine Pissott (13) and guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrate defeating High Point in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates a three point shot against Illinois during the second half of a second round NCAA college basketball tournament game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 23, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates her three point shot against High Point during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) moves the ball while guarded by Tennessee guard Nya Robertson (1) during an NCAA college basketball game on March 1, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/USA TODAY Network)
Vanderbilt’s Aiyana Mitchell (14) and Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrate their win over Kentucky at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
(Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots the ball during their game against Kentucky at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
(Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) and guard/forward Justine Pissott (13) celebrate defeating Texas at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) brings the ball up the court against Texas during the third quarter at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 9: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores drives towards the basket against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first half at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on February 9, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Carly Mackler / Getty Images)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots past Florida guard Liv McGill (23) during the third quarter at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) sings autographs after defeating Florida at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates after defeating Florida at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 25: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores drives to the basket while guarded by Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores brings the ball up court against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Reed Arena on January 11, 2026 in College Station, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives to the basket against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 81-53.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Auburn guard A’riel Jackson (7) looks to pass the ball as Vanderbilt’s Sacha Washington (35) and Mikayla Blakes (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 81-53.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
Missouri guard Chloe Sotell (22) is defended by Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) tries to drive past Missouri guard Chloe Sotell (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives away from Louisiana State pressure during their game at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) guards Louisiana State guard Milaysia Fulwiley (23) during their game at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates with her teammates after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Virginia Cavaliers guard Jillian Brown (4) guards Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) as Virginia Cavaliers forward Caitlin Weimar (12) also guards during the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates with her teammates after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Coach, Shea Ralph, hugs Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Aubrey Galvan (3) guards while Furman Paladins forward Kyraha Parnell (4) attempts to dribble against Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) during the women’s basketball game between Vanderbilt vs Furman at the Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) dribbles the ball while Furman Paladins forward Clare Coyle (2) defends during the women’s basketball game between Vanderbilt vs Furman at the Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates against the Tennessee Lady Vols during the first half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
(Scott Kinser, Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)
Mar 7, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) on defense against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives on Tennessee Lady Vols guard Jewel Spear (0) during the second half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
(Scott Kinser, Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots against Tennessee Lady Vols forward Jillian Hollingshead (53) during the second half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
(Scott Kinser, Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) rushes past South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao (0) during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) and Oklahoma forward Liz Scott (34) fight for a rebound in the third quarter during an NCAA women’s basketball game between Oklahoma and Vanderbilt at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) and Mississippi State forward Quanirah Montague, left, scramble for the ball in double overtime during an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives to the basket past Mississippi State center Madina Okot (15) during an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 02: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores shoots a three-point basket during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on February 02, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
(Johnnie Izquierdo, Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 02: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dribbles the ball past Sira Thienou #0 of the Ole Miss Rebels during the first half at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on February 02, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
(Johnnie Izquierdo, Getty Images)
Mikayla Blakes, talks to a reporter from The Tennessean at Huber Center in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
(Nicole Hester / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) attempts to score as Alabama guard Aaliyah Nye (32) and Alabama forward Essence Cody (21) attempt to block her at Coleman Coliseum Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025.
(Caroline Simmons-Tuscaloosa News)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) reacts after defeating Arkansas at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots past Arkansas guard Kiki Smith (2) during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Arkansas guard Kiki Smith (2) looks for a path past Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates after defeating Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates after defeating Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) tries to knock the ball away from Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore (3) as Dazia Lawrence (10) helps put during an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives to the basket against Kentucky during an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Dec. 1: Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) reaches in attempting to steal the ball away from Appalachian State’s Rylan Moffitt (15).
(Mark Zaleski, The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt women’s basketball head coach Shea Ralph and associate head coach Tom Garrick’s daughter, Maysen Garrick, right, receives a ball from guard Mikayla Blakes during player introductions before an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) gets procession of a rebound during an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots against Arizona at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
(Taya Gray/The Desert Sun)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) looks to shoot as Arizona guard Jada Williams (2) defends at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
(Taya Gray/The Desert Sun)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) falls over Lipscomb guard Claira McGowan (1) going for the ball during an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes, right, steals the ball away from Lipscomb guard Ainhoa Cea (14) during an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores shoots the ball Cassandre Prosper #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Dickies Arena on March 27, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores shoots the ball Cassandre Prosper #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Dickies Arena on March 27, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Justine Pissott (13) and guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrate defeating High Point in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates a three point shot against Illinois during the second half of a second round NCAA college basketball tournament game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 23, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates her three point shot against High Point during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) moves the ball while guarded by Tennessee guard Nya Robertson (1) during an NCAA college basketball game on March 1, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/USA TODAY Network)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt’s Aiyana Mitchell (14) and Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrate their win over Kentucky at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
(Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots the ball during their game against Kentucky at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
(Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) and guard/forward Justine Pissott (13) celebrate defeating Texas at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) brings the ball up the court against Texas during the third quarter at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 9: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores drives towards the basket against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first half at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on February 9, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Carly Mackler / Getty Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots past Florida guard Liv McGill (23) during the third quarter at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) sings autographs after defeating Florida at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates after defeating Florida at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 25: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores drives to the basket while guarded by Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores brings the ball up court against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Reed Arena on January 11, 2026 in College Station, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives to the basket against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 81-53.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Auburn guard A’riel Jackson (7) looks to pass the ball as Vanderbilt’s Sacha Washington (35) and Mikayla Blakes (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 81-53.
(MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Missouri guard Chloe Sotell (22) is defended by Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) tries to drive past Missouri guard Chloe Sotell (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives away from Louisiana State pressure during their game at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) guards Louisiana State guard Milaysia Fulwiley (23) during their game at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates with her teammates after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Virginia Cavaliers guard Jillian Brown (4) guards Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) as Virginia Cavaliers forward Caitlin Weimar (12) also guards during the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates with her teammates after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt women’s basketball coach in fifth season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Coach, Shea Ralph, hugs Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Aubrey Galvan (3) guards while Furman Paladins forward Kyraha Parnell (4) attempts to dribble against Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) during the women’s basketball game between Vanderbilt vs Furman at the Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) dribbles the ball while Furman Paladins forward Clare Coyle (2) defends during the women’s basketball game between Vanderbilt vs Furman at the Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
(NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates against the Tennessee Lady Vols during the first half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
(Scott Kinser, Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Mar 7, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) on defense against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives on Tennessee Lady Vols guard Jewel Spear (0) during the second half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
(Scott Kinser, Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Mar 6, 2025; Greenville, SC, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots against Tennessee Lady Vols forward Jillian Hollingshead (53) during the second half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
(Scott Kinser, Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) rushes past South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao (0) during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) and Oklahoma forward Liz Scott (34) fight for a rebound in the third quarter during an NCAA women’s basketball game between Oklahoma and Vanderbilt at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) and Mississippi State forward Quanirah Montague, left, scramble for the ball in double overtime during an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives to the basket past Mississippi State center Madina Okot (15) during an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 02: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores shoots a three-point basket during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on February 02, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
(Johnnie Izquierdo, Getty Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 02: Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dribbles the ball past Sira Thienou #0 of the Ole Miss Rebels during the first half at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on February 02, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
(Johnnie Izquierdo, Getty Images)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Mikayla Blakes, talks to a reporter from The Tennessean at Huber Center in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
(Nicole Hester / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) attempts to score as Alabama guard Aaliyah Nye (32) and Alabama forward Essence Cody (21) attempt to block her at Coleman Coliseum Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025.
(Caroline Simmons-Tuscaloosa News)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) reacts after defeating Arkansas at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots past Arkansas guard Kiki Smith (2) during the second quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Arkansas guard Kiki Smith (2) looks for a path past Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates after defeating Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) celebrates after defeating Tennessee at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) tries to knock the ball away from Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore (3) as Dazia Lawrence (10) helps put during an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) drives to the basket against Kentucky during an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Dec. 1: Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes (1) reaches in attempting to steal the ball away from Appalachian State’s Rylan Moffitt (15).
(Mark Zaleski, The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt women’s basketball head coach Shea Ralph and associate head coach Tom Garrick’s daughter, Maysen Garrick, right, receives a ball from guard Mikayla Blakes during player introductions before an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) gets procession of a rebound during an NCAA college basketball game against Appalachian State Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots against Arizona at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
(Taya Gray/The Desert Sun)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) looks to shoot as Arizona guard Jada Williams (2) defends at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
(Taya Gray/The Desert Sun)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) falls over Lipscomb guard Claira McGowan (1) going for the ball during an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
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Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women’s basketball star guard with 55-point game
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes, right, steals the ball away from Lipscomb guard Ainhoa Cea (14) during an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
“Aubrey and Mikayla have the ball in their hands a lot,” Ralph said. “As a point guard, (Galvan) needs to be a leader. She needs to be me on the board. Our connection has to be unshakeable. So everything that we need her to accomplish, she needs to be able to do without direction from me during games. And her and Mikayla are a great team in that way.”
Galvan wants to win, and she has had a confident presence from Day 1. Now, it’s just about finding her voice.
Ralph said that has come naturally to Galvan. Her hope is that this team has strong player leadership to propel the Commodores to the next level after making the Sweet 16 last season.
“I would love for our team this year to be player-led,” Ralph said. “I think player-led teams are teams that win championships. I also believe that the best roster doesn’t win the championship, isn’t always the best team. I think the best team is defined by the chemistry that you have.”
Vanderbilt has had a number of team-bonding activities over the years, from making TikToks to coloring books in the locker room. Blakes and Galvan said on an SEC Now appearance that they went to a seafood boil together.
Even with the accolades the duo have received, they’re still working hard on elevating their games to new levels.
“I feel like for me, it’s focusing on the things I can do without the ball,” Blakes said. “I feel like that’s the main thing, whether it’s setting screens for my teammates, my defense, taking charges. And when I do have the ball, just being able to make smart decisions with it.”
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan can improve for Vanderbilt basketball