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2d ago

Virginia Fires Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton Days After Sweet 16 Run

A swift search begins with reports of an internal probe fueling roster uncertainty.

Mar 28, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton directs her team during the second quarter of the game against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs in the Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts against the TCU Horned Frogs during the fourth quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. , Image 2 shows Virginia Cavaliers head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton speaks with her team during the second quarter of the game against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs in the Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center.

Overview

  • Virginia, which announced Saturday that Amaka Agugua-Hamilton will not return, gave no reason and said a national search is underway.
  • USA TODAY reported, citing anonymous sources including a staff member, that an internal investigation examined allegations of staff mistreatment, which the university has not confirmed.
  • Roster fallout began as starter Sa'Myah Smith said she is entering the transfer portal due to the coaching change, with Olivia McGhee already in the portal.
  • Agugua-Hamilton’s four-year tenure ended at 70-58 after this season’s 22-12 mark and a First Four-to–Sweet 16 run with upsets of No. 7 Georgia and No. 2 Iowa in double overtime.
  • South Carolina coach and UVA alum Dawn Staley said she was surprised by the move, while agents view the opening as one of the cycle’s best as athletic director Carla Williams leads the hire.