VIRGINIA CAVALIERS FANS REJOICE AS: Head Coach of Virginia Cavaliers Women’s Basketball Made History By Signing The Largest Contract For a Coach in Women’s College Basketball Following…
Virginia Cavaliers fans are celebrating a significant milestone as Head Coach Amaka “Mox” Agugua-Hamilton has signed a groundbreaking contract extension, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. This landmark agreement underscores the University of Virginia’s commitment to elevating its women’s basketball program and recognizing Agugua-Hamilton’s transformative impact since her arrival in 2022.
Agugua-Hamilton, a Virginia native and former head coach at Missouri State, took the helm of the Cavaliers’ program in March 2022. In her inaugural season, she led the team to its first postseason appearance since 2018, advancing to the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). The Cavaliers concluded the 2023–24 season with a 17–15 record, marking a significant turnaround from previous years. Notably, the team achieved a historic victory over No. 5 Virginia Tech in front of a record-breaking crowd at John Paul Jones Arena .
Under Agugua-Hamilton’s leadership, the program has seen a resurgence in fan engagement, with a 183% increase in average attendance from the 2021–22 to the 2023–24 seasons. Her emphasis on player development is evident in the emergence of standout freshman guard Kymora Johnson, who earned Second Team All-ACC honors and led the team in multiple statistical categories during the 2023–24 season .
The contract extension comes amid a broader initiative to invest in women’s athletics at UVA. A transformative gift from Alexis Ohanian has provided additional resources to enhance the women’s basketball program, enabling Agugua-Hamilton and her staff to recruit top talent and compete at a national level . This investment aligns with the university’s “Our Place” campaign, aimed at elevating women’s sports and creating lasting opportunities for female student-athletes.
Athletic Director Carla Williams expressed confidence in Agugua-Hamilton’s vision and leadership, stating, “Coach Mox has a reputation for recruiting and developing talent. Her integrity, work ethic, passion for education, and determination to build something special here at UVA is inspiring” . The extension ensures continuity and stability as the Cavaliers aim to build upon their recent successes.
As the Cavaliers prepare for the upcoming season, expectations are high. With a strong returning roster and renewed institutional support, Agugua-Hamilton’s program is poised to ascend in the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball. Fans and stakeholders alike are optimistic about the future, anticipating continued growth and achievement under her guidance.
