Virginia’s Joanne Boyle to retire from coaching

Just a few days after her team fell to South Carolina in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Virginia head coach Joanne Boyle announced that she is retiring from coaching “due to a family matter.” There has been speculation that former Virginia star and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley may be in the running to replace Boyle who has been at the helm of Virginia for seven seasons, compiling a 129-98 record. Her overall career record is 333-191 (Richmond, California, Virginia).

“The person who is the head coach of this program needs to fully commit themselves and give their all to these deserving young women,” Boyle said in a statement. “Due to a family matter that may require more time away from the program, I am not able to dedicate the time I need to our team. For that reason, it is best for me to step aside.”

Virginia finished 19-14 this season and advanced to the second round of the tournament as a No. 10-seed.  First-year Virginia athletics director Carla Williams said an immediate search will begin for Boyle’s replacement.

“Joanne is a tremendous representative for the University of Virginia,” Williams said. “I understand her personal situation and respect her decision. It is a reflection of who she is as a person. She is a tireless worker who has been extremely caring of her student-athletes. Now she needs to focus that attention and energy on her family. We wish them the best and she knows they have our full support.”

The rest of Boyle’s statement:

It has been a tremendous privilege to coach at this University. It has been a blessing to have been able to work and mentor such quality student-athletes. It has been an unforgettable seven years. The character of the coaches, administrators and faculty is just incredible. Everyone that has been a part of our program has been extremely supportive and positive. The way people serve and give generously of themselves at the University and in the community is admirable. It is something that has truly touched me.

I am so thankful to Craig Littlepage and President Teresa Sullivan for giving me this opportunity. I cannot say enough about their leadership, guidance and the support they have provided the women’s basketball program. I have only known Carla Williams a short time, but she is truly remarkable and has been incredibly supportive of our program. UVA athletics has a very bright future under her watch.

I have loved everyone who has come through this program and played for Virginia. This year’s team was an incredible group of young women who were united, selfless and truly committed to one another. That’s why they were successful. They put team above everything else. It was a pleasure and honor to coach them.