A New Coaching Chapter
Virginia’s women’s basketball program released its 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule on August 20, marking the first public look under head coach Aaron Roussell, who takes the reins for his inaugural season.
Home Opener and Key Rivalries
The slate features eight home contests at John Paul Jones Arena, including season‑opening matchups against Maryland Eastern Shore, William & Mary, Drexel, James Madison, American, Navy, Stony Brook and Norfolk State.
These home games provide the first opportunity for fans to see the new‑look team in familiar surroundings, with ticket prices starting at $70 for a single game.
Road tests begin early, with the Cavaliers traveling to face Davidson on November 5 and Old Dominion on November 15, setting the tone for a demanding start.
Tournament Highlights and marquee Matchups
The schedule also embeds the team in two high‑profile neutral‑site events: the Jacksonville Classic in Florida, where they could meet Oklahoma or UAB, and the Sprouts Farmers Market espnW Invitational in Nashville, pitting them against Kentucky.
Additional marquee dates include the SEC/ACC Challenge against Mississippi State on December 3 and a showdown with Kentucky in the Sprouts Farmers Market espnW Invitational on December 20.
Roussell emphasized that the early slate is designed not only to test the new roster but also to provide a learning laboratory for both players and staff as they adapt to a new system.