Virginia women's basketball has released its 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule, a slate that features eight contests spread across home courts and venues beyond Charlottesville.
The opening act will be a home showdown against Maryland Eastern Shore on November 2, kicking off the Aaron Roussell era as the new head coach takes the reins of the program.
Roussell, who assumed the head‑coaching position this offseason, inherits a team eager to prove itself, and the schedule is designed to test both the players and the new staff from the outset.
Home non‑conference opponents include William & Mary (Nov 8), Drexel (Nov 11), James Madison (Nov 19), American (Dec 9), Navy (Dec 13), Stony Brook (Dec 22) and Norfolk State (Dec 28), all of which will be played at the iconic John Paul Jones Arena.
On the road, the Cavaliers will travel to face Davidson on November 5 and Old Dominion on November 15, providing early road tests before conference play begins.
A demanding non‑conference slate
The team will also compete in the Jacksonville Classic from November 23‑25, where they could meet Oklahoma or UAB, and will take part in the SEC/ACC Challenge on December 3 against Mississippi State.
Additionally, Virginia will head to Nashville for the Sprouts Farmers Market ESPNW Invitational on December 20, squaring off against Kentucky.
Overall, the schedule is crafted to give Roussell and his coaching staff a rigorous early test, sharpening the team for the challenges that lie ahead in the ACC season.