Virginia women's basketball head coach Aaron Roussell announced the appointment of LaDerica “LD” Paul as the program’s new director of basketball operations, a move he says will strengthen the team's behind‑the‑scenes infrastructure.
A career built on varied experience
Paul arrives after stints as director of basketball operations at North Texas from 2023 through 2026, as well as a season at Incarnate Word during the 2022‑23 campaign. Her résumé also includes assistant coaching roles at Texas Women’s University, North Central University and Texas A&M‑Corpus Christi, where she contributed as a graduate assistant during the 2019‑20 season.
Prior to her coaching career, Paul played collegiately at Kansas City in 2015‑16 and later transferred to Texas A&M‑Corpus Christi, where she completed her final three seasons of eligibility. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2019 and a master’s in public administration with a concentration in public management in 2020.
Roussell’s endorsement
Coach Roussell praised Paul’s organizational acumen and personality, describing her as a highly organized individual with a magnetic presence that will benefit the program’s day‑to‑day operations.
The addition of Paul is positioned as a strategic enhancement for the Cavaliers, who look to leverage her blend of administrative skill and on‑court experience to support player development and staff coordination.
Paul’s background spans multiple institutions across the country, reflecting a trajectory that blends competitive play with progressive leadership roles. Her educational foundation in psychology and public administration equips her with insights into both athlete development and program management.