Virginia Hires Former Richmond Coach Aaron Roussell

Roussell replaces Amaka Agugua-Hamilton after leading Spiders to 3 NCAA Tournaments

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:10pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a women's basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in navy, orange, and white colors.The University of Virginia's bold move to hire a proven winner in Aaron Roussell signals a new era of ambition for the women's basketball program.Richmond Today

The University of Virginia has hired former Richmond coach Aaron Roussell as its new women's basketball head coach. Roussell spent the past seven seasons at Richmond, compiling a 148-72 record and leading the Spiders to the last three NCAA Tournaments. He replaces Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, who led Virginia to its first Sweet 16 in 26 years.

Why it matters

Virginia is looking to build on its recent success and take the women's basketball program to new heights under Roussell's leadership. His track record of winning at Richmond and previous stops makes him an intriguing hire as the Cavaliers aim to become a consistent national power.

The details

Roussell was introduced as Virginia's new coach on Wednesday. He previously spent seven seasons at Bucknell, where he posted a 151-72 record and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. Roussell also had a successful run at Division III Chicago, going 161-50 with four NCAA Tournament berths from 2004-12.

  • Virginia parted ways with former coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton on Saturday.
  • Roussell was hired as the new head coach on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Aaron Roussell

The new head coach of the Virginia women's basketball team, who spent the past seven seasons as the head coach at Richmond.

Amaka Agugua-Hamilton

The former Virginia women's basketball coach who led the team to its first Sweet 16 in 26 years before being let go on Saturday.

Kymora Johnson

Virginia's leading scorer, a two-time All-ACC guard, who entered the transfer portal earlier this week.

Carla Williams

The athletic director at the University of Virginia who announced the hiring of Aaron Roussell as the new women's basketball coach.

Scott Beardsley

The president of the University of Virginia who was involved in the hiring of Aaron Roussell.

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What they’re saying

“My family and I are beyond excited to lead the UVA Women's Basketball program into a bright and prosperous future. 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.”

— Aaron Roussell, New Virginia Women's Basketball Coach

“We are excited to name Aaron Roussell as our new head women's basketball coach. 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.”

— Carla Williams, Virginia Athletic Director

What’s next

Roussell will begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to build the Virginia women's basketball program into a consistent national contender.

The takeaway

The hiring of Aaron Roussell represents a major investment by Virginia in its women's basketball program. His track record of success at Richmond and other stops suggests he has the experience and vision to elevate the Cavaliers and return them to the NCAA Tournament on a regular basis.