Virginia introduced former Richmond coach Aaron Roussell as the Cavaliers’ new women’s basketball coach on Wednesday.
Virginia parted ways with former coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton on Saturday despite leading the team to its first Sweet 16 in 26 years and first national ranking since 2011.
Roussell spent the past seven seasons at Richmond, compiling a 148-72 record and leading the Spiders to the last three Women’s NCAA Tournaments. He was a two-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year.
“My family and I are beyond excited to lead the UVA Women’s Basketball program into a bright and prosperous future,” Roussell said. “We are well aware of the rich history and tradition of this program, and we look forward to putting the UVA program into the nation’s elite on a consistent basis. I would like to thank President Scott Beardsley, (athletic director) Carla Williams and her staff who have been amazing during this search. I am eager to get to work with them as we look to pack JPJ on our way to creating amazing memories with the UVA faithful.”
He previously coached at Bucknell for seven seasons, posting a 151-72 record from 2012-19 with two trips to the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Roussell was a two-time Patriot League Coach of the Year.
Roussell’s first head coaching stint was at Division III Chicago, where he was 161-50 from 2004-12 with four trips to the national tournament.
“We are excited to name Aaron Roussell as our new head women’s basketball coach,” Williams said. “Aaron is a proven winner who embodies the University’s values of integrity, leadership, academic excellence and student-athlete development. We look forward to welcoming Aaron, his wife Molly, and their three children to Grounds for a new era of Virginia Women’s Basketball.”
Virginia finished 22-12 and was ranked No. 19 in the final Associated Press poll of the season. The Cavaliers were the first team ever to reach the Sweet 16 after starting in the First Four.
Virginia’s leading scorer, two-time All-ACC guard Kymora Johnson (19.5 points per game), entered the transfer portal earlier this week.
–Field Level Media
