Richmond’s Aaron Roussell Named 2025 Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year
HOPEWELL, N.J. – In an exciting recognition of excellence in women’s basketball, Aaron Roussell, the head coach of the Richmond women’s basketball team, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year by Her Hoop Stats. This accolade, now in its second season, highlights the most outstanding mid-major head coaches across the nation, and Roussell’s achievements have certainly set a high standard.
A Season for the Ages
Under Roussell’s expert guidance, the Richmond Spiders enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in program history, boasting an impressive 28-7 record. Notably, they secured Richmond’s first-ever victory in the NCAA Tournament with a stunning 25-point triumph over Georgia Tech in the Second Round. This historic win and overall performance have etched 2025 as a landmark year for the Spiders.
Climbing to New Heights: Tournament Performance
Richmond earned a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament, marking the second-highest seed in the program’s illustrious history—only bested by their 1991 No. 7 seed. A rigorous non-conference schedule, ranked as the 22nd most challenging in the country according to Warren Nolan, played a significant role in this achievement. The Spiders demonstrated their skills against formidable opponents, culminating in a 10-5 record during their grueling non-conference play.
Dominance Across Statistical Metrics
Richmond not only showcased talent on the court but also dominated the statistical landscape:
- The No. 3 offense in the nation based on points per possession (PPP).
- The most efficient offense nationwide according to true shooting percentage (TS%).
- The best defense of any team sporting a 110+ offensive rating, as highlighted by CBBAnalytics and Synergy.
Additionally, the Spiders achieved the following remarkable distinctions:
- Ranked as one of only three mid-major teams in the top 10% nationally for both offense and defense (CBBAnalytics Adjusted Net Rating).
- Finished as the No. 4 team in the country for three-point shooting percentage (CBBAnalytics).
- Crowned the most efficient jump-shooting team with a significant margin over the runner-up, according to Synergy.
Historical Context and Roussell’s Impact
In Atlantic 10 competition, the Spiders set a program record with 17 consecutive wins from January 5 to March 7, leading them to their second consecutive A-10 regular-season championship. Roussell’s influence has been transformative, as Richmond had not clinched a regular-season conference title in 22 seasons prior to his arrival.
With an overall coaching record of 122-64 in six seasons, Roussell has ascended to the third spot on Richmond’s all-time career wins leaderboard. His teams have tallied an impressive 57 victories over the last two years, a testament to his coaching prowess and strategic acumen.
Understanding the Award
The Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award is uniquely designed to spotlight head coaches from 26 mid-major conferences. Prominent leagues such as the ACC and SEC are excluded, ensuring that the focus remains on the remarkable talent emerging from mid-major programs. Throughout the season, a 20-person preseason watch list narrowed down to five finalists in March, with evaluation criteria encompassing overall performance, postseason success, and coaching strategy.
Conclusion: A Future Full of Promise
As the Richmond Spiders celebrate this monumental recognition, there’s no doubt that Aaron Roussell has not only changed the trajectory of the team but has also ignited excitement and optimism among fans and players alike. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence will continue to shape the future of Richmond women’s basketball, making them a force to be reckoned with in upcoming seasons.
For more insights on coaching excellence and women’s basketball, visit Her Hoop Stats and stay updated on the latest achievements in the world of sports.
