Virginia Basketball Hired Damin Altizer to Staff

The former Cavaliers walk-on has been named the new Director of Player Development for the women's program.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Basketball

Virginia Basketball Hired Damin Altizer to Staff

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The Virginia women's basketball team has appointed Damin Altizer as its new Director of Player Development. Altizer joins the staff under head coach Aaron Roussell to help prepare athletes for professional success.

Why it matters

The hire brings a former University of Virginia player back into the fold to support the program's efforts in player preparation and development. It also marks a key staff addition for coach Aaron Roussell as he begins his tenure in Charlottesville.

Head coach Aaron Roussell brings a 148-72 career record from Richmond to his new role in Charlottesville. His recent performance includes three NCAA tournament appearances over the last three seasons.

The players

Damin Altizer

He is a former University of Virginia walk-on who has transitioned into a career in coaching and player development.

Aaron Roussell

He is the head coach of the Virginia women's basketball team who previously established a successful coaching record at Richmond.

The details

Altizer brings extensive local coaching experience to the university, having spent seven seasons coaching at St. Anne's Belfield and one year at The Covenant School. He has also operated his own basketball training business since 2012.

Damin Altizer played as a walk-on for Virginia during the 2006-07 season.
Altizer graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009.
Altizer launched his own basketball training business in 2012.
Altizer officially joined the Virginia basketball staff on September 24, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The addition of a new Director of Player Development reflects the program's focus on maintaining its competitive momentum. This appointment comes as the team builds on a foundation of three NCAA tournament appearances secured over the previous three seasons.

The staff addition provides continuity for a program aiming to build upon the momentum of recent NCAA appearances. Fans can track how this internal support role influences player performance throughout coach Aaron Roussell's debut season.

The takeaway

This hire underscores the importance of institutional knowledge when building a coaching staff. Bringing in a former player often helps strengthen the culture and professional development pipelines for current student-athletes.