Richmond Women’s Basketball: A Season for the Ages
DANBURY, Conn. – In an exhilarating twist of fate, Head Coach Aaron Roussell has been crowned the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Coach of the Year after leading the University of Richmond women’s basketball team through a historic season. The Spiders have reached new heights, culminating in their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory by overcoming a formidable opponent, No. 9 Georgia Tech, in the opening round, and for the first time in their history, advancing to the NCAA Second Round.
A Remarkable Coaching Journey
Roussell’s tenure has been nothing short of spectacular. Claiming the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year title in consecutive seasons, he steered the Spiders to an impressive 28-7 overall record, including a staggering 17-1 in conference play. This remarkable performance earned Richmond the highest NET ranking among Atlantic 10 teams, finishing the season at 33.
The cherry on top? Richmond capped off the regular season with an unprecedented 16-game win streak, which grew to 17 straight victories before a narrow one-point loss to Saint Joseph’s in the A-10 Championship semifinal. The Spiders have established a robust home conference win streak, an impressive 24 games that dates back to January 1, 2023.
Rising Star: Maggie Doogan
Adding to the team’s accolades, Maggie Doogan, a junior forward hailing from Broomall, Pennsylvania, has earned a spot on the All-ECAC First Team following a spectacular junior campaign. Doogan’s remarkable achievements didn’t just stop locally; she was also celebrated as the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, marking a historic first for Richmond in the Atlantic 10 and a notable feat not seen since Pam Bryant claimed back-to-back CAA Player of the Year awards in the late ‘80s.
Doogan’s Tour de Force
Doogan was pivotal in Richmond’s unforgettable NCAA Tournament journey. Against Georgia Tech, she put on an explosive performance, delivering 30 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists—the signature stats that propelled the Spiders to their maiden NCAA Tournament victory. In the second round against the nation’s top-ranked UCLA, she contributed 27 points and six rebounds, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
For the season, Doogan averaged a remarkable 17 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting an astoundingly efficient 55.5% from the field, 40.6% from three, and 78.5% from the free-throw line. Her stats placed her third in the A-10 for scoring, second in field goal percentage, and made her a top-10 leader in rebounding, assists, and blocks.
Consistency and Milestones
Doogan’s consistency is just as impressive as her scoring ability. She achieved double-digit points in 31 of Richmond’s 35 games, with standout performances that include a career-high 37 points against George Mason and an electrifying 33-point showcase at VCU. This season, she surpassed the 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds milestone, becoming just the fourth Spider in program history to accomplish this within three seasons.
Moreover, her accolades continued to pour in: Doogan was a three-time A-10 Player of the Week, received national recognition as the World Exposure Report National Player of the Week, earned two nominations in the NCAA.com’s National Starting Lineup, and was a semifinalist for the prestigious Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award.
About the ECAC
The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) is a prestigious organization with a rich history spanning eighty-five years, boasting over 200 member schools across all three NCAA divisions: I, II, and III. The ECAC plays a vital role in enhancing the student-athlete experience in college sports, sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments, and numerous other competitions throughout the Northeast.
Moreover, with a vibrant esports program engaging 160 schools and featuring 1,100 teams across 14 different esports games—streamed live four nights a week—the ECAC is steadily expanding its national footprint, ensuring that student-athletes from all disciplines receive the recognition they deserve.
Conclusion
The University of Richmond women’s basketball team has rewritten its narrative this season, driven by the exceptional leadership of Coach Roussell and the indomitable spirit of players like Maggie Doogan. The Spiders not only opened the door to historic achievements but also set the stage for future success, promising an exciting road ahead for their supporters and aspiring student-athletes. As they continue to rise, Richmond basketball is undoubtedly on a trajectory that few can ignore.
Get ready to cheer, Spider fans! This season is just the beginning of what’s possible.
