Virginia introduced new women’s basketball coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton on Thursday at the John Paul Jones Arena. She covered a lot of ground during the press conference from coaching mentors to philosophy to early plans and more. Coach Mox, which she goes by frequently, also talked about some UVA history.
Agugua-Hamilton said: “But for me Dawn Staley, she was kind of bigger than life when I was growing up – Wendy Palmer, Tammy Reiss. Those names, I just remember just the passion they played with. The pride that they walked around and spoke about UVA with. It’s just a very strong brand. And being from this state I understand that. I understand what having Virginia on your chest means and the pride that goes with that.”
After feeling like love for the program and its history plus the community connection had been lost in recent seasons, this pretty much sums up Hoo fans’ reaction to that part of the conversation:
For fans of the Virginia women’s basketball program, a fresh start is welcomed with open arms. Coach Agugua-Hamilton said she sees unlimited potential at UVA and this hire has immediately infused hope into the fan base. That’s the first step on the rebuilding road.
Here are some message board posts that are excited about the hire:
- Welcome Coach “Mox”, very excited to see what she can do with the program! ~ misshoo73
- This is an exciting hire.!! … I just signed up for women’s season tickets ~ NURSEOVA
- Time of all of us to get back on bandwagon just like you have. Good hire by Carla both in quality and timing. ~ peeweehooman
- This tweet from Missouri State is eerily similar to sentiments from Wazzu after Tony was hired. … This sounds like a fantastic hire. ~ plegard
- I haven’t been this excited for UVA women’s basketball since probably 1998. ~ sabrex
- Same, except a few years after that. I was even looking on the Virginia sports website looking for season ticket prices with a thought to driving up for some games again. ~ PinkUVAFan
- This is a fantastic hire! ~ Mo Better Hoos
- Another positive sign. Just saw that Coach Mox’s birthdate is April 13th. Perfect fit for UVA! ~ wahoo74
Here are some Tweets sharing congratulations and thoughts too:
Welcome to the family, Coach Mox‼️#Wahoowa‼️ Virginia Basketball | Amaka Agugua-Hamilton Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach https://t.co/6B7FNGhpcm @UVACoachMox
— Cathy Grimes-Miller (@Catwoman910) March 22, 2022
I feel like we got a great one with Coach Mox. Only time will tell but so far she’s impressive https://t.co/UPFu85mmmn
— Joshua Breeden (@JoshuaO79) March 24, 2022
Excellent introduction for UVA’s Coach Mox. She is a much needed breath of fresh air for the WBB program. And as she stated numerous times, very much a “people person” that is excited about reengaging WBB w/ alums, fans & community. Mox has already started recruiting. ⚔️
— Mike Lewis (@Mikeysurf) March 24, 2022
Mike is correct in his evaluation. Mox is a great hire and great person. She will battle Kenny for the top in state recruits and it should elevate the UVA / VT rivalry and both their positions in the ACC.
— Chris Campbell (@Coach_Campbell) March 22, 2022
Welcome Coach Mox! There’s a passionate Women’s hoops fanbase here that’s ready to be reignited – and you are just what we need Let’s Go #GoHoos https://t.co/L5IkDj3tQp
— The Hoo Dog (@TheHooDog) March 22, 2022
Coach Mox crushed it for my alma mater @MSULadyBears ! Thank you and best wishes at UVA! https://t.co/PzuL1rAuDs
— Cincy Swish 2024 Blue Star (@CincySwish2024) March 22, 2022
Coach Mox, you have been a blessing for the Lady Bears program!! I wish you the best of luck with the Cavaliers! Rest assured, you will hold a special place in MSU history!
— dk sutton (@manofschwa) March 22, 2022
You are respected and loved here coach. You coached the lady bears to be more than ball players and those of us that watched were challenged to be more as well. Best wishes, coach Mox!
— Christopher Houghton (@Cowboy0419) March 22, 2022
With that to get you excited for the weekend ahead, let’s look at the rest of the weekly fan picks.
Fan(s) Of The Week
Cheering on the Wahoos at the JPJ.
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
Smile if you love the Hoos.
Feature Photo Of The Week
The back-to-back National Champions of UVA women’s swimming and diving!
