One of the last teams into the 68-team NCAA Tournament field this past season, the Virginia women's basketball team made a surprise run in March Madness.
Matchup with Arizona State in the First Four, the Cavaliers beat the Sun Devils and proceeded to upset Georgia and Iowa, in overtime, to advance to the Sweet 16. The 'Hoos put up a valiant fight before falling to TCU.
It was a remarkable run for Virginia. It was the first time in 26 years that Virginia made it to the Sweet 16. Usually, when something like that happens, the head coach gets an extension. Instead, on Saturday, Virginia gave head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton her walking papers and announced a change in leadership for their women's basketball program.
Virginia fires women's basketball coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton in stunning move
Agugua-Hamilton spent years in Charlottesville and compiled a record of 70-58 and 29-42 in the ACC. This past season, Virginia Tech swept UVA after splitting the last two seasons with them. The Hokies won the final regular-season game on the road over the Cavaliers when a pair of late free throws led to a one-point win.
After going to the Sweet 16 after a good season in the ACC, one of the toughest women's basketball conferences, this is a surprising move. There clearly is more to it and behind the scenes. Usually, a program builds off a run that the Cavaliers just had, not fires their coach.
The school said that a national search will begin immediately. This will be an interesting search as to who they target and who they can get to come to Charlottesville. UVA was knocking on the door of the NCAA Tournament the last couple of seasons and finally kicked the door in March. Now that the door is open again, but this time to send Agugua-Hamilton packing in a surprising move.