Virginia fires women's coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton despite Sweet 16 trip

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Virginia fires women's coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton despite Sweet 16 trip

Virginia fires women's coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton despite Sweet 16 trip

Ehsan Kassim, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Sat, Apr 4, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Virginia women's basketball is moving on from Amaka Agugua-Hamilton after four seasons with the program.

The university announced the staffing change in a press release on Saturday, April 4, following a 22-12 record during the 2025-26 season. The Cavaliers finished the season with an 11-7 record in ACC play.

"A national search will begin immediately," the university press release stated.

In four seasons, Agugua-Hamilton finished with a 70-58 record, going 29-42 in the ACC. USA TODAY Sports listed Virginia as one of six schools under the most pressure in the NCAA Tournament on March 16, due to the decision on Agugua-Hamilton's future.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Despite the heavy pressure, Virginia snuck into the 68-team field as a play-in No. 10 seed. The Cavaliers defeated Arizona State (67-65), then beat No. 7 Georgia (82-73, OT) and No. 2 Iowa (83-75, 2 OT), as one of the biggest surprises in the NCAA Tournament this season.

Virginia lost 79-69 to No. 3 seed TCU in the Sweet 16, but the first Sweet 16 for the program since 2000 and an endorsement from South Carolina coach Dawn Staley was not enough to save Agugua-Hamilton's job.

"And she just told me that they did part ways. I don't know why. She said we'll talk, we'll talk soon," Staley said Saturday at the Final Four.

Amaka Agugua-Hamilton coaching record

Here's a look at Agugua-Hamilton's record as a collegiate coach:

Missouri State (2019-20):26-4, 16-2 MVC
Missouri State (2020-21): 23-3, 16-0 MVC
Missouri State (2021-22):25-8, 14-4 MVC
Virginia (2022-23):15-15, 4-14 ACC
Virginia (2023-24):16-16, 7-11 ACC
Virginia (2024-25):17-15, 10-8 ACC
Virginia (2025-26):22-12, 11-7 ACC

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amaka Agugua-Hamilton fired by Virginia despite Cavs' March Madness run

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Amaka Agugua-Hamilton coaching record