Debbie Ryan, Dawn Staley give their blessings to UVA’s new women’s coach

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia’s new women’s basketball coach has gained the approval of the woman who built the program into a national power.

Debbie Ryan, who coached UVA’s women from 1977 until 2011 and compiled a 739-324 record, liked the new hire of Amaka “Mox” Agugua-Hamilton, who was announced as the Cavaliers’ new coach on Monday.

“Amaka was an excellent choice to lead the University of Virginia’s women’s basketball program,” Ryan said. “She is a proven college coach who has built a great legacy in the game already and is known for producing outstanding teams at every stop along the way.”

Coach Mox compiled a 74-15 record over three seasons at Missouri State prior to accepting UVA athletic director Carla Williams’ offer to coach the Cavaliers. Mox also was on strong staffs at Michigan State, VCU and Old Dominion during her career.

“She demands excellence from her players on the court, in the classroom and around the community,” said Ryan, who coached Virginia to three Final Fours during her career. “Her teams are always well-prepared, play extremely hard and are very intelligent. The game is fun for the players because she creates a family atmosphere on the team.

“Amaka will bring an immediate level of excitement to UVA women’s basketball that will ignite our fans, our players and future student-athletes. Our players will work hard and compete on every play as we strive to win championships.”

Ryan, who is a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, wasn’t the only former Wahoo to give the nod of approval to Coach Mox’s hiring. Former Virginia All-American Dawn Staley, now considered at the top of her profession as South Carolina’s head coach, also liked Williams’ selection.

“Amaka is an elite coach and proven winner who understands the expectations and traditions of the University of Virginia,” Staley said. “She brings a culture of success and attracts student-athletes who exemplify the character and athleticism that it takes to win championships.”

Michigan State head women’s coach Suzy Merchant, who hired Agugua-Hamilton on her staff, was proud to see her former assistant land the Virginia job.

“Virginia got a good one in Coach Mox,” Merchant said. “She is committed to integrity, character and competitive excellence both on and off the court. She has been a tremendous leader of young women in our profession, and there is no question she will make an immediate impact in the storied UVA women’s program. Can’t wait to watch that program soar.”