Vanderbilt women’s basketball coach Shea Ralph has received a contract extension, the university announced in a release Monday.
The terms of Ralph’s current contract and her extension are not known because Vanderbilt is a private school. Ralph’s salary is not disclosed on university tax forms because she has not been one of the five highest-paid employees.
“I look forward to continuing this journey with Shea Ralph,” athletic director Candice Lee said in the 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, and teaching and mentoring young women on and off the court. She shares our desire to compete at the very highest level, and we are excited about our future.”
Ralph led the Commodores to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 10 years in 2014 with a 23-10 overall record, the most wins since 2011-12. Vanderbilt defeated Columbia in the First Four before falling to Baylor in the first round in March Madness.
Vanderbilt built on that success in the offseason by signing 5-star recruit Mikayla Blakes over offers from other blue bloods. Ralph also brought in transfers Jane Nwaba and Leilani Kapinus. The 2024-25 team will return seven of its top eight scorers and rebounders.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to lead and serve our women’s basketball program here at Vanderbilt University,” Ralph said in the release. “It has been an incredibly fun and inspiring three seasons of growth as we march towards our ultimate vision of a sustained championship culture on and off the court. … To my players and my staff, thank you for your trust and investment in me. To our awesome fans, donors, alumni, and Vanderbilt community, we appreciate all that you do for us! Let’s keep working, Commodore Nation. The best is yet to come. Anchor Down.”
MEET THE NEWCOMERS Inside Vanderbilt women’s basketball roster including transfers, freshmen for 2024-25 season
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Shea Ralph extended for Vanderbilt women’s basketball
