Two former Virginia women’s basketball coaches were in attendance for the introductory press conference of their successor, Tina Thompson, on Wednesday, and athletic director Carla Williams was sure to thank them both.
Williams thanked legendary coach Debbie Ryan for laying the program’s foundation.
“I want to acknowledge Debbie, because we were able to be very selective in this search because she built a championship program here,” Williams said with Thompson to her left. “The reputation of this program stood the test of time, and that was very helpful for us in attracting Tina to this program.”
To former coach Joanne Boyle, Williams offered thanks for continuing the growth of the program and well wishes going forward.
“Thank you, Joanne, for your service to the university, and to our women’s basketball program,” Williams said. “You represented UVa with great professionalism and class and humility, and we wish you the best as you approach the next chapter in your journey.”
Boyle announced her retirement on March 20, just two days after Virginia’s loss to South Carolina in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. A few days later, the story behind her resignation came to light.
Boyle left the program she led to its first NCAA Tournament win since 2009 because she and her daughter, Ngoty, must return to Senegal to complete her adoption.
Ngoty came to the United States on a tourist visa in 2014. Boyle allowed it to expire without finalizing the paperwork because her daughter was too ill to travel.
Boyle said on Wednesday that she and her daughter have yet to receive a travel date. They don’t know when they’ll have to leave their home, and because of potential complications in the process, they don’t know when they’ll be able to return.
“All year, a lot of different things happened with the adoption, and it was a decision that had to be made for Ngoty and for the team,” Boyle said.
Williams said on Wednesday that she was at least partially aware of Boyle’s situation during the season. The players, however, say they were caught off guard.
“It was a moment for us to see her go, but we understood the position she was in,” said Moné Jones, the lone remaining senior on the Cavaliers’ roster. “It was just about us getting behind her and supporting her.”
Former St. Anne’s-Belfield star Brianna Tinlsey is coming off a freshman campaign which saw her start 28 games. She doesn’t know what the future holds, but she’s hopeful.
“It was a really sad moment for Coach Boyle, but it’s also an opportunity for our program,” Tinsley said. “I’m just going to take it day by day because when I first got here, I didn’t think I was going to play much. So, things can always change.”
Telling her players was the hardest part of the process, Boyle said.
“That’s never easy, but like I told them, this is going to be a good thing,” Boyle said.
Thompson said on Wednesday that the first messages she got after being hired were from Boyle and Ryan.
“I told her I’m a fan,” Boyle said. “This is such a great hire, and Tina is going to do great things. I told her I’m going to keep my distance, but I’m here to help any way I can.”