Vernell Atamah, a 2026 transfer from Northwestern State, has officially joined the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball program, bringing with her a reputation as one of the most dynamic scorers in the Southland Conference.
During her previous season she averaged 19.2 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 39 percent from three‑point range, a performance that earned her the 2026 Southland Conference Player of the Year honor.
Off the court, Atamah has expressed a clear ambition to study nursing after her playing days, a goal she manages with the help of detailed planners and reminder systems that keep her academic schedule as organized as her game plan.
She chose Vanderbilt not only for its competitive SEC schedule but also for the university’s strong academic reputation, seeking an environment where athletic challenge and scholarly rigor coexist.
A Supportive Team Culture
The Commodores' locker room already exudes a supportive camaraderie, a culture Atamah says she hopes to amplify through her energetic, leadership‑driven style of play.
Building Playmaking Skills
She will be joined by four other newcomers — Mia Woolfolk, Olivia Jones, Jhai Johnson and Sther Ubaka — while also sharing the court with SEC Player of the Year Mikayla Blakes and SEC Freshman of the Year Aubrey Galvan.
Atamah’s immediate focus is on sharpening her passing and playmaking abilities, aiming to complement the existing talent and contribute to a program that has shown steady growth in recent seasons.