The University of Richmond announced on April 7 that Aaron Roussell, head coach of the women’s basketball team, will be leaving his position. The university released statements from key leaders addressing Roussell’s departure and the impact he has had on the program.
Roussell’s exit is significant for the Richmond Spiders community, as he led the women’s basketball team for seven years and helped build a competitive program.
John P. Hardt, vice president and director of athletics at Richmond, said: “I’d like to thank Aaron Roussell for his outstanding leadership of the Spider women’s basketball program for the last seven years. Coach Roussell built a championship program and provided an exciting brand of basketball that captivated the Spider community. Under Aaron’s direction, our team reached new competitive heights while representing Richmond in a manner that made Spiders everywhere proud. The University made every effort to retain Aaron, and we’re disappointed by his departure. Nonetheless, we wish Aaron, Molly, and the entire Roussell family well at Virginia. We have begun a national search for the next head coach of Spider women’s basketball.”
University President Kevin F. Hallock also commented on Roussell’s contributions: “Aaron is a fantastic human being and has worked hard to develop student-athletes on and off the court. He has dramatically elevated our program and he will be missed. This is an excellent opportunity for Aaron and his family and we wish them all the best.”
The university said it has started a national search to find its next head coach for women’s basketball.
Roussell’s move marks an important transition period for both him personally and for Richmond’s athletic department as they look toward future leadership.
