Drew Thompson, Sports Editor
Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor
VCU women’s basketball head coach Beth O’Boyle was relieved of her duties at noon on Feb. 2. She will not coach the remainder of the season and will not return to VCU after the season, according to Evan Nicely, VCU Athletics associate athletic director for external affairs.
“We want to thank Coach O’Boyle for her service to VCU and her dedication to our student-athletes. We will not renew her contract and she will not coach the remainder of the season,” said VCU Athletics director Ed McLaughlin in a press release. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We will begin a national search immediately.”
The news came out following the Feb. 1 loss to the University of Richmond, 65-77 in the annual SupportHer game.
O’Boyle was the head coach for 12 seasons. She held an overall record of 191-168, won one Atlantic 10 tournament title in 2021 and reached the NCAA tournament that same year.
O’Boyle was hired as head coach in 2014 after serving as head coach for Stony Brook University. She holds the record for the most coaching victories in VCU basketball history.
Despite holding the record for the most wins in VCU basketball history, O’Boyle’s recent years have been marred with inconsistency.
The women’s basketball team is currently in the midst of an 8-15 season, 4-7 in conference play. Last season VCU finished 12-19, 6-12 in the A-10 and lost 11 of their last 14 games.
The 23-24 season they finished 26-6 and 15-3 in the A-10. However, they lost in the conference tournament and were bounced out of the Women’s basketball invitation tournament in the first round against Villanova University. The season prior, they went 7-22 and 4-12 in the A-10, losing 11 of their final 13 games.
VCU women’s basketball has not had back-to-back seasons over .500 since 20-21 and 21-22. In the last four seasons the Rams are 53-62 overall and 29-34 in the A-10. Taking out the 23-24 season makes those win numbers even less balanced.
VCU women’s basketball assistant coach Kirk Crawford will serve as the interim coach for the remainder of the season. He joined the staff in July 2017 and brings over 30 years of Division 1 basketball, WNBA and NBA experience.
Amidst the leadership change, the Rams are dealing with several injuries including first-year guard Patricia Augustin, first-year guard Daija Preston and fourth-year guard Mary-Anna Asare.
Crawford will make his coaching debut when the Rams face Loyola Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.