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Historic Sweet 16, shock firing: Virginia’s 'Coach Mox' out after investigation
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- Historic Sweet 16, shock firing: Virginia’s 'Coach Mox' out after investigation
Virginia fired women's basketball coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton Saturday after she led the Cavaliers to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2000.
On the surface, the decision was puzzling. Agugua-Hamilton, also known as "Coach Mox," had one year remaining on her deal and Virginia had its most successful season in nearly three decades. All-ACC standout Kymora Johnson also could return for her senior season in 2026-27.
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But four people familiar with the situation at Virginia, including a staff member inside of the program with direct knowledge, told USA TODAY Sports that Agugua-Hamilton had been the subject of an internal investigation. The people — an NCAA women's basketball head coach, two assistant coaches and an administrator — spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. There also were allegations of staff mistreatment within the program, they said.
Virginia athletics director Carla Williams and two spokespeople for the athletic department did not immediately respond to USA TODAY Sports' requests for comment. Agugua-Hamilton's agent also did not respond to a request for comment.
The news release Virginia published on its website announcing Agugua-Hamilton's dismissal was three sentences long: "Virginia Athletics announced today (April 4) Amaka Agugua-Hamilton will not return as head coach of the women's basketball program. Agugua-Hamilton finished her four-year tenure at UVA with a 70-58 record, including a 29-42 mark in ACC play. A national search will begin immediately."
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass the ball against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks compete for a loose ball during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Madina Okot #11 and Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reach for the ball against Serah Williams #22 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 and Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks gestures during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball between Maddy McDaniel #1 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Members of the UConn Huskies react from the bench during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sarah Strong #21 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies mascot, Jonathan the Husky, performs during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts in front of Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles past Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Jana El Alfy #8 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Members of the UConn Huskies huddle before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass the ball against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks compete for a loose ball during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Madina Okot #11 and Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reach for the ball against Serah Williams #22 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 and Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks gestures during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball between Maddy McDaniel #1 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Members of the UConn Huskies react from the bench during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sarah Strong #21 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
UConn Huskies mascot, Jonathan the Husky, performs during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts in front of Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles past Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Jana El Alfy #8 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Members of the UConn Huskies huddle before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Williams hired Agugua-Hamilton in 2022 to rebuild the program. Former coach Tina Thompson — hired in 2018 over candidates such as Cori Close and Niele Ivey — inherited a team that had gone to the second round of the NCAA Tournament the previous season but did not sustain that success. Thompson's teams went 30-63 overall and won 15 ACC games in four seasons.
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Prior to Virginia, Agugua-Hamilton was the head coach of Missouri State, where she went 74-15 with two trips to the NCAA Tournament. She then pushed Virginia, which went to three Final Fours in the early 1990s, back into relevance, increasing its win total each season. This past year, the Cavaliers went 22-12 overall and 11-7 in ACC play, their most conference wins since 2000.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, who played for the Cavaliers in all their Final Fours, was surprised Saturday when she heard Agugua-Hamilton was fired.
"I don't know what went wrong, but I think she had them on the right track," Staley said. "I hope we get it together. We have a deeply rich tradition at UVA on this stage. We hope to get our team back there one day sooner than later."
Agugua-Hamilton's Virginia team defeated Arizona State and then upset higher-seeded Georgia and Iowa to make it to the Sweet 16 of this year's tournament. Virginia, seeded 10th, became the first double-digit seed to reach the regional semifinals in the Women's NCAA Tournament since 2022.
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Agugua-Hamilton went 70-58 overall and 29-42 in ACC play in four seasons.
Now, Williams will need to make her third women's basketball coaching hire and has to do it quickly because the transfer portal opens Monday. Virginia starter Sa'Myah Smith, who averaged 7.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, announced Saturday she is entering the transfer portal "due to the coaching change and uncertainty." Redshirt sophomore Olivia McGhee announced she was entering the portal last week.
The head coaching vacancy at Virginia is widely viewed by agents and coaches in women's basketball as the best available this cycle. Like USF, which was able to poach a sitting Power 4 head coach for its opening, the Cavaliers historically have invested in women's basketball. The program is largely bankrolled by Virginia alum Alexis Ohanian, who founded Reddit and is married to tennis superstar Serena Williams.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Virginia fires Amaka Agugua‑Hamilton after internal investigation
