Hokies Begin Coaching Search

On Tuesday, March 22, 2016, exactly five years after being named to the head coach position of the women’s basketball team, Dennis Wolff, has been dismissed. Virginia Tech Athletics Director, Whit Babcock, explained his reasoning in a released statement.

"In looking at the totality of the program, I felt it was in the best long-term interest of our women’s basketball program to go in a new direction. Coach Wolff and his staff have handled this transition like the professionals that they are. We will keep our team and university leadership informed of the process, however, no further comments will be made until we announce our new head coach."           – Whit Babcock

The ladies started the season off strongly, and accomplished an 11-game win streak through November and December, including a surprise upset of then No. 8 Tennessee, 57-43. Unfortunately, that success did not carry into conference play.  During the last half of the year VT suffered a massive collapse, and ended the regular season having lost 11 of their last 15 games.  Despite the poor conference play the Hokies were selected to compete in the WNIT.  This selection ended a nine-year drought of post season play from the women’s squad.  In round one VPI defeated the Elon Phoenix, 68-59.  But, on Sunday they fell to the Ohio Bobcats, during the second round of the WNIT, 57-64.  The Hokies finished the season with an overall record of 18-14.  Their conference play was notably below average.  The team managed only a 5-11 record in the ACC, including a first round elimination, at the hands of Boston College, during the women’s ACC Tournament.

Hokies fall to Ohio, 64-57 in WNIT: Cook tallies 22 points, 10 rebounds https://t.co/A8WygsqxAE

— VT Women's Hoops (@VT_WBBall) March 20, 2016

During his five years at Virginia Tech Coach Wolff totaled an overall career record of 61-93, and a trifling 17-65 conference record.  Assistant coach, Britney Anderson, a former Hokie basketball player, has been named the interim head coach while a national search for Mr. Wolff’s successor is conducted.

The hunt is already underway.  On Friday Mr. Babcock interviewed fellow JMU alum, and current head coach of the Dukes’ women’s squad, Kenny Brooks.  Both Whit and Kenny were student athletes at James Madison during the early 1990s.  Coach Brooks has had a very successful 14 years with JMU.  This year his squad was selected for their third straight NCAA tournament berth.  Brooks has taken the Dukes to six total NCAA Championship and five WNIT appearances.

Mr. Babcock has already impressed with his past coaching hires.  It will be exciting to see who ultimately ends up leading the women’s team.  Stick with Gobbler Country for updates as the search continues!