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Women’s basketball coach Joanne Boyle announces retirement

<p>Virginia Coach Joanne Boyle delivered the Cavaliers to the March Madness this season for the first time since 2010.</p>

Virginia Coach Joanne Boyle delivered the Cavaliers to the March Madness this season for the first time since 2010.

Coach Joanne Boyle, who led the Virginia women’s basketball team back to the NCAA Tournament this season for the first time since 2010, announced her retirement Tuesday afternoon, citing a family matter.

“The person who is the head coach of this program needs to fully commit themselves and give their all to these deserving young women,” Boyle said. “Due to a family matter that may require more time away from the program, I am not able to dedicate the time I need to our team. For that reason, it is best for me to step aside.”

Boyle led the Cavaliers to a 19-14 record this year, including an NCAA Tournament victory over California before ultimately falling in the next round to South Carolina. She leaves a young, promising team in Virginia, who will look to expand upon their strong season next year.

Serving as Virginia's head coach for seven seasons, Boyle finished with a 129-98 record. In addition to her time at Virginia, she previously coached at Richmond and California.

Boyle’s contract was set to expire after this season, and it was uncertain whether new Athletics Director Carla Williams would offer her an extension. Virginia’s strong season made the extension a possibility, but she opted to move on.

“She is a tireless worker who has been extremely caring of her student-athletes,” Williams said of Boyle.

The search for a new head coach for Virginia women’s basketball begins.

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