Virginia Hires Richmond's Aaron Roussell After Amaka Agugua-Hamilton's Firing, Investigation

Roussell will take over a Cavaliers program facing surprising instability after a Cinderella NCAA Tournament run.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective view of a women's basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green, conveying the instability and challenges facing the Virginia women's basketball program.A new coach aims to restore order and stability to a women's basketball program facing unexpected upheaval.Richmond Today

The University of Virginia has hired Aaron Roussell as its new women's basketball head coach, replacing Amaka Agugua-Hamilton who was reportedly fired after an internal investigation into allegations of staff mistreatment. Roussell comes to Virginia after a successful seven-year tenure at the University of Richmond, where he led the Spiders to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. He will now inherit a Cavaliers program that reached the Sweet 16 this past season but has since seen six players enter the transfer portal.

Why it matters

Virginia's women's basketball program has experienced an unexpected level of upheaval after a surprising NCAA Tournament run, raising questions about the program's stability and culture. Roussell's hiring represents an attempt to restore order and provide steady leadership, but he faces significant challenges in keeping the team together and building on this year's success.

The details

Aaron Roussell spent the last seven seasons as the head coach of the University of Richmond women's basketball team, compiling a 148-72 record and leading the Spiders to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances since 2024. He will now take over a Virginia program that reached the Sweet 16 this past season before the sudden firing of Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, which was reportedly due to an internal investigation into allegations of staff mistreatment. Since Agugua-Hamilton's dismissal, six Virginia players have entered the transfer portal, including the team's leading scorer from last season, Kymora Johnson.

  • Virginia announced Agugua-Hamilton's firing in a statement on April 7, 2026.
  • Roussell was hired as the new Virginia women's basketball head coach on April 7, 2026.

The players

Aaron Roussell

The new head coach of the University of Virginia women's basketball team, who previously served as the head coach at the University of Richmond for seven seasons.

Amaka Agugua-Hamilton

The former head coach of the University of Virginia women's basketball team, who was fired after an internal investigation into allegations of staff mistreatment.

Kymora Johnson

The leading scorer for the University of Virginia women's basketball team last season, who has entered the transfer portal following Agugua-Hamilton's firing.

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What they’re saying

“We must restore order and provide steady leadership to the Virginia women's basketball program.”

— Aaron Roussell, New Head Coach, University of Virginia Women's Basketball

What’s next

Roussell will need to quickly assess the roster situation and work to retain key players who have entered the transfer portal, while also establishing a new culture and vision for the program.

The takeaway

The upheaval within the Virginia women's basketball program highlights the challenges that can arise even after a successful season, underscoring the importance of strong leadership, player development, and maintaining a positive team culture. Roussell's ability to navigate these issues will be crucial in determining the Cavaliers' future direction.