ESPN Women's Basketball

Chantelle Anderson isn't larger than life. She just sometimes appears that way. Like at SEC Media Day recently, when Vanderbilt's 6-foot-6 junior showed up wearing three-inch heels to tower above the competition at 6-9.

But then again, that might be how big the competition sees Anderson when she's on the court blocking shots and raining down baby hooks on them.

This season, Anderson is the center of attention for the Commodores as they pursue their first national championship. With everyone back from last year's Elite Eight team, Vanderbilt is in prime position to return to the Final Four and battle for the title.

Many in the college game believe Anderson could be the national Player of the Year. Her size, which makes her nearly impossible to deny around the basket, is part of it.

But Anderson is at ease with her size, which isn't always easy for tall women to do. But when you're 6-6 and feel OK adding three inches to your already imposing height, you've apparently reached your comfort zone.

"I've had to get used to my size," Anderson admitted. "Basketball has been a big help in that regard. Now I'm comfortable and confident, and I like who I am."

So does Vanderbilt head coach Jim Foster.

"She's grown up a lot between the ears since she's been here," Foster said. "Chantelle is a mature kid and that allows her to be more consistent. She's not as up and down emotionally. It's apparent she's a lot more comfortable with who she is and that translates into more productivity on the court. Chantelle has really become a student of the game."

Anderson says one of the most important lessons she has learned is to not get caught up with what's happening off the court. She knows actions speak louder than words.

"We're getting more attention this year and there's more excitement on campus about our team," Anderson said. "But we can't let that affect us. No one is getting big headed about it because everything is proven on the court. We know if we play hard and continue to improve there isn't anyone we can't play with and beat."

Anderson is one key reason the Commodores should be able to beat anyone they face this season. She averaged 21 points and six rebounds per game as a sophomore, and led the nation with a 72.3 field-goal percentage. That means she hits seven of every 10 shots she takes.

"We shoot a lot during practice and do lots of shooting drills," Anderson said. "Our offense gets me in position to score. My teammates work hard on their entry passes and I get in good position. (Assistant coach) Pete Gaudet says I should get one point and the passer should get one point because I just have to lay it in."

Laying it in might be how Anderson gets some of her points, but she has plenty of other ways to hurt opponents. She's a definite triple threat, but her size transforms her into a three-dimensional threat.

"What sets her apart is that Chantelle is athletic and ambidextrous," Foster said. "She can turn over both shoulders, she can face you up, she can go around you or she can shoot over you. She's got lots of tools. Chantelle is also a very intelligent person and that carries over to basketball. She's got a high basketball IQ."

Book smarts and court savvy make Vanderbilt the perfect place for Anderson. She fits into the Vandy system, which has always had success utilizing the skills of tall players.

"Lots of teams are outside-in, attacking from the perimeter first," Foster said. "That's not beneficial for post players. We're inside-out, we value the post game. We've kept that philosophy even though the 3-pointer has changed the game so much. It's more difficult to get a team to be patient and use all the dimensions on the court."

Anderson is quick to point out that point guard Ashley McElhiney is a key reason the inside-out philosophy is successful.

"Ash Mac is awesome; I can't say enough about her," Anderson said. "She takes control and knows where everyone is supposed to be. She holds people accountable and leads by example. I've learned so much from her."

Anderson also has benefited from help from the most unlikely of sources -- Tennessee center Michelle Snow. On the four days of the year when Vanderbilt and Tennessee might play on the court (two regular-season games, and potential meetings in the SEC and NCAA tournaments), they are bitter rivals, battling each other in the paint for 40 minutes. But on the other 361 days of the year, Anderson and Snow share a common bond.

"Michelle is my best friend," Anderson said. "She's helped me grow and mature. She's helped me learn and stay sane. When we played as freshmen she told me I was too soft and I needed to get tougher. From that day a friendship was born and my goal is to make sure she never has to question my toughness again."

With the toughness question behind her, Anderson is now focused on answering an even bigger question. How good can she be? In that regard, only one answer matters to her.

"I couldn't ask for a better coach than coach Foster," she said. "Everyone works for a national championship or conference championship. But he stresses the need for short-term goals, too. One of mine is to not disappoint my coach and work hard every day. After four years when I ask him, 'Did I amount to everything you expected?', I want him to say, 'Yes.' "

That's a tall order for anyone to fill, but when you're 6-9 in heels, you can reach just about anything.

ESPN's Beth Mowins is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's college basketball coverage.