Shea Ralph secures contract extension after leading Vanderbilt to first NCAA tourney appearance in 10 years

Even though the details of her contract remain unknown, Shea Ralph’s contract with Vanderbilt has been extended. She will enter her fourth season as the Commodores’ coach in the 2024-25 campaign after reviving the women’s basketball program.

Last year, Vanderbilt mounted its first NCAA Tournament appearance in the last decade. Ralph led the group to a 23-10 season and also to their first NCAA tournament win in the last 11 years.

It was an 11-win improvement from the 2022–23 season. Overall, in her three years of coaching, Vanderbilt has been on a 51-48 run.

“I look forward to continuing this journey with Shea Ralph, and I’m delighted for our student-athletes, supporters, and the Vanderbilt community,” Vanderbilt’s Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee said in a press release. “As an athlete and rising star in the coaching ranks, Shea helped shape the tremendous growth of women’s basketball now evident across the country.

“At Vanderbilt, we see that passion every day in her commitment to creating a winning culture, teaching the game, and mentoring young women. She shares our desire to compete at the very highest level, and we are unreservedly excited about our future.”

Shea Ralph appears ready to make Vanderbilt a championship program. She is openly dedicated to cultivating an inspiring culture on and off the court.

Shea Ralph has lifted the NCAA trophy seven times

Shea Ralph’s first NCAA trophy came as a player. As a guard, she averaged 14.3 points, 4.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals on over 60% shooting to lead the UConn Huskies to the 2000 NCAA championship. She was named the tourney’s most outstanding player and earned the Honda Sports Award.

Ralph’s six other NCAA titles also came alongside Geno Auriemma. However, this time it was in a coaching capacity. She worked as an assistant coach for UConn from 2008 to 2021, helping the program to six NCAA championships.

Overall, Ralph brings experience of seven titles, 12 Final Four runs, and a unique insight of being part of four consecutive championship runs with UConn (2013-16). She worked with more than 20 WNBA draft picks in college, including Breanna Stewart and Maya Moore.