Virginia Tech Basketball: 3 huge takeaways from Megan Duffy's press conference

Two days after being named the next women's basketball coach at Virginia Tech, Megan Duffy was introduced Friday morning at Cassell Coliseum. There is a lot of excitement around Duffy going forward as she had a lot of success at her two previous stops, Miami of Ohio, and Marquette.

There are a variety of topics that she touched on during her press conference and here are some takeaways from her first press conference in Blacksburg.

1. Virginia Tech truly is home

Duffy's press conference began at 9 a.m., but that didn't stop fellow Virginia Tech coaches and seniors who will graduate this spring with no more college eligibility left from coming out and supporting Duffy and athletic director Whit Babcock. Volleyball coach Marci Byers attended along with men's basketball coach Mike Young. Baseball coach John Szefc was also there ahead of his team's massive three-game series at English Field this weekend against Wake Forest. Also in attendance were Elizabeth Kitley and Cayla King, two seniors whose tremendous career in Blacksburg is over. Great to see the support all around for Duffy.

2. Duffy will fit right in at Virginia Tech

There was one thing that athletic director Whit Babcock and Duffy both said, she's a winner no matter where she's been. “I’ve been a winner, I don’t know anything else,” Duffy said. "I never say we’re rebuilding. We’re building the next great championship team.” Babcock feels very comfortable with Duffy in charge of his women's team. “She’s a proven winner,” Babcock said. "She’s a sitting head coach who that built two programs and is now ready to lead ours.” There is no doubt that Duffy will be able to continue the success the program had under Kenny Brooks, although it might not be to the same level in the beginning, there shouldn't be a huge drop-off as some people think.

3. Retainment, retainment, retainment

Maybe the best news was that there appears to be a very good amount of retainment for next season. Carleigh Wenzel announced earlier this week that she's returning next season and Duffy is planning on Matilda Ekh, Rose Micheaux, Carys Baker, and even Samyha Suffren who entered the transfer portal and reportedly withdrew from it to return to Blacksburg. Recruit Myah Hazelton has expressed her commitment to Virginia Tech under Duffy. The new head coach will have some work to do in the transfer portal, but retainment for 2024-25 appears to be good.