Before the NCAA season commenced, no experts predicted the scintillating season that Vanderbilt's Aubrey Galvan would have in her freshman year. According to ESPN, in their preseason Freshman of the Year predictions, USC sensation Jazzy Davidson would light up the league and inevitably claim the top honours for a first-year star. However, Galvan's production on both ends of the floor has forced her name into contention.
Vanderbilt's electric guard can be considered the underdog story of the year among freshmen. ESPN's 'Women's college basketball freshman impact rankings 2025-26' did not mention Galvan's name in the preseason, highlighting that the general consensus was that her ability was not enough to make a substantial impact with the Commodores immediately. This analysis could not have been more wrong.
Aubrey Galvan may be the top freshman in the country
Not only has Galvan exceeded expectations, but she has now cemented herself as one of the firm favourites to win the Freshman of the Year award, arguably surpassing Jazzy Davidson in a race that was perceived as over before the season had even started.
During Vanderbilt's postgame press conference following the programme's 102-86 victory against the Oklahoma Sooners, National Player of the Year candidate Mikayla Blakes explained, "[Galvan] does everything. She makes everybody's life easier. She is probably the most valuable person on our team."
The sophomore finished by stating, "She makes all of us better and puts us in positions where we are going to thrive. I haven't seen any other freshman doing it like her."
Mikayla Blakes' admiration for her teammate is clear. Naturally, a tight-knit group of players would be expected to hype up each other in this manner. Nevertheless, Galvan's numbers tell the same compelling story that Blakes described.
Throughout her first-year in college, Galvan has averaged 12.6 points, 6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. Additionally, the freshman has chalked up 7+ assists in 11 games this season, with a career-high 15 assists coming in a 99-43 win over the Tennessee State Lady Tigers.
Aubrey Galvan does more than record impressive statistics. The young guard possesses an elite versatility offensively that allows her to create shots at all three levels. Her deft scoring touch makes inside scoring easy for Galvan. Her skills as a playmaker have become integral to Vanderbilt's success this season—as Mikayla Blakes has already highlighted.
Defensively, Galvan is just as efficient. Her ability to read opposing offenses and anticipate plays gives her an added edge in forcing turnovers, often initiating devastating transition attacks for herself or Blakes.
Of course, USC's Jazzy Davidson is excelling at a similar rate; however, Aubrey Galvan's case for Freshman of the Year is unique. Nobody expected Aubrey Galvan to perform at such a high level that it would place her amongst the top freshmen in the country. Without the first-year star, Vanderbilt would not be as dangerous an outfit as it is today. This award should also take into account how players contribute to a winning team— Galvan is certainly doing that.