VU WBB: 2nd Look at the Freshmen

Every Monday and Wednesday, women's basketball players make the trek to Cane Ridge High School in Antioch for games in the Island Sports Collegiate Basketball League. Whitney D. shares some photos of the Vanderbilt freshmen from Wednesday afternoon.

The life of a college athlete is a year-round practicum in efficient time management. But this summer, Mondays and Wednesdays are especially long days for women's basketball team. Strength and conditioning workouts begin at 6 a.m., followed by summer school classes. Then in the afternoon, they drive out to Antioch for games in the Island Sports Summer Basketball League that finish around 8 p.m.

The team's freshmen say they're getting accustomed to the rigorous college routine. They've done weight training before but say that the early morning sessions with Tasha Weddle take it to a whole new level. They're learning important lessons like DON'T WEAR AN ORANGE T-SHIRT, regardless of its logo. The first summer session ends next week, so they're about to face their first round of college final exams. Then they'll have a short break before the second summer semester begins to catch their breath and catch up with their families.

Kristen Gaffney, one of the highly anticipated recruits in the freshman class, remains sidelined as she continues rehabbing her knee following a torn ACL in the state playoffs in March and subsequent reconstructive surgery. The other freshmen are in action in the summer league in Antioch, and Whitney D. shares some photos from Wednesday afternoon.

For fans that are interested in seeing them with their own eyes, games begin at 4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday at Cane Ridge High School Gym, 12848 Old Hickory Boulevard. All games are open to the public with no admission charge.




Morgan Batey




Morgan Batey




Morgan Batey




Heather Bowe (pronounced "Bo-vy") with Clair Watkins




Kendall Shaw




Kendall Shaw and Heather Bowe




Heather Bowe




Morgan Batey, Jasmine Jenkins, Rayte'a Long




Heather Bowe with Clair Watkins




Heather Bowe




Kendall Shaw




Rayte'a Long and Gabby Smith




Jasmine Jenkins




Jasmine Jenkins




Rayte'a Long




Rayte'a Long


Photos copyright 2012 by Whitney D. for VandyMania.com