A revived rivalry
The University of Virginia and Old Dominion University will meet again on the hardwood this November, with the first renewal game slated for November 15, 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia, and a follow‑up contest scheduled for 2027 in Charlottesville. The announcement comes as both programs celebrate a shared history that helped shape women's college basketball in the United States.
ODU entered the scene as a dominant force in the late 1970s, capturing back‑to‑back AIAW national championships in 1979 and 1980 with teams led by Nancy Lieberman and Anne Donovan. Lieberman, nicknamed "Lady Magic," later earned a spot on an NBA summer league roster, while Donovan went on to a distinguished WNBA career and later coached at the collegiate level.
Virginia’s own rise began in the 1980s under coach Debbie Ryan, whose teams reached three consecutive Final Fours during the Dawn Staley era. Staley, a standout player who later earned Olympic gold medals and a successful WNBA career, is now a leading coach in the women's game, adding another layer of connection between the two schools.
Statutes and storylines
All‑time, ODU holds a 19‑16 edge over Virginia, though the Cavaliers own a 2‑1 advantage in NCAA Tournament meetings. The series was last contested in the 2019‑20 season, when Virginia edged ODU 56‑53 in overtime. Historically, ODU won 12 of 13 matchups between 1977 and 1985, often by sizable margins, serving as a benchmark for Ryan as she built Virginia into a national contender.
First‑year UVA coach Aaron Roussell expressed enthusiasm for rekindling the in‑state rivalry, emphasizing the cultural significance of the matchups and the opportunity to honor the programs’ legacies. The upcoming games are expected to draw considerable attention from fans, alumni, and the broader basketball community.
Beyond the wins and losses, the renewed series stands as a celebration of two storied programs that helped pioneer the growth of women's basketball. As the teams prepare to face off again, the matchups promise to add another chapter to a rivalry that has long been a measuring stick for excellence in the sport.