STAFF EDITORIAL: Women’s Basketball is making history, and you’re missing it – The Vanderbilt Hustler

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Women’s college basketball is surging nationally, with the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament gaining record viewership and top athletes becoming central figures in college sports. Gymnasiums and arenas across the country are filling at higher rates than before, creating an atmosphere that will only continue to grow.  
Yet inside Memorial Gymnasium, attendance patterns reflect an older reality. While men’s games routinely generate packed student sections, even for non-conference games, women’s games are often played in front of noticeably smaller crowds. Just looking at this season, Vanderbilt men’s basketball has averaged 9,201 people in attendance per home game while women’s has a much lower average of 3,844. At men’s games, the entire student section is reserved exclusively for students; at women’s games, however, only the front portion is designated for students, with much of the larger back section sold to other spectators. While this contrast is not unique to Vanderbilt alone, it is ours to address.  
Across Division I athletics, men’s sports have historically drawn higher attendance than women’s, with television coverage and decades of cultural momentum shaping the imbalance. Now, however, women’s basketball is no longer fighting for visibility but instead commanding it. The growth in television ratings, media coverage and university investment for women’s basketball suggests that interest will follow if programs are given the right opportunities. Vanderbilt Athletics is contributing to this growth, launching the Anchored for Her campaign to support and invest in women’s sports.  
That institutional commitment is matched by what is happening on the court. Both Vanderbilt basketball programs compete in the SEC, play in the same historic venue and have had incredible success this season. In fact, the women’s basketball team is ranked higher in the AP Poll and undefeated at home. More importantly, Vanderbilt women’s basketball is filled with generational talent, including Aubrey Galvan and Mikayla Blakes. Blakes is one of the top players in the country, leading the nation in scoring and a likely lottery pick in the WNBA draft when that time comes.  
Moreover, Blakes and Galvan are in the running for national player of the year and SEC freshman of the year, respectively. To overlook this team’s talent is to miss witnessing history in the making.  
Given the level of talent and success, it is clear that the barrier to attendance is not a lack of quality. And, while cost may be a barrier to students attending games at many institutions, Vanderbilt men’s and women’s basketball student tickets are completely free. This means that the difference between a full and a half-full student section is not a financial issue but a cultural one.  
This does not intend to diminish the energy surrounding men’s basketball. Having a packed Memorial Gym is one of the most visible expressions of school pride on campus, and it’s something to be encouraged no matter the team. But school spirit is not a limited resource, and supporting one team does not require neglecting the other.  
The attendance of students at these games is more important than just optics. A consistent presence of students creates a home-court advantage, boosts athlete morale and influences recruiting. Those who visit a game, as well as our players on the court, will notice the atmosphere. 
Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball will host one more regular season home game against Alabama Feb. 26 and is also projected to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament.  
The national rise of women’s basketball presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to meet the excitement that is building beyond our campus. Vanderbilt students have the chance to be part of that momentum and to find pride in being a student through their participation. Most importantly, this is an opportunity for Vanderbilt students to give nationally recognized female athletes the support and encouragement they deserve. 
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