Virginia women’s basketball is entering a promising season with a balanced lineup, but a crucial question remains: who will join junior guard Kymora Johnson and senior guard Paris Clark as a key contributor? The departure of senior forward Latasha Lattimore to Ole Miss via the transfer portal has created a noticeable gap in both offensive and defensive production, amplifying the need for strong performances from the wing and center positions.
In their season opener against Morgan State, the Cavaliers found an unexpected ally in graduate guard Romi Levy. Her performance not only helped the team secure a commanding victory but also marked a personal milestone, as she surpassed the 1,000 career points mark. Levy led the Cavaliers with 11 rebounds, recorded four assists, and contributed eight points, showcasing her versatility on the court. Notably, her plus-minus rating of 33 was the second-highest among all players, only behind Johnson’s impressive score of 39.
Levy’s impactful game came despite her limited playing time, just under 19 minutes, a testament to her efficiency and adaptability. Head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton highlighted her unique skill set: “She’s really a guard that can play [power forward], you know, she can do multiple things. She has a motor that’s crazy.” This versatility could be pivotal in raising the Cavaliers’ performance to new levels, potentially cementing her role as the third star alongside Johnson and Clark.
In the opener, Levy, Johnson, and Clark contributed a combined 50 points, outscoring Morgan State’s entire team. They also collectively secured 25 rebounds—just shy of the opposing team’s total. While Morgan State may not rank among the top tier of programs in the ACC, this initial victory offers a promising glance at Virginia’s potential as the season unfolds. Levy’s skills, particularly her ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities, will be essential as the team navigates the challenges ahead.
Levy expressed her excitement about joining the team after a difficult year, stating, “I’m really happy to be here, and I’m really excited to see what we can do as a team.” Her journey to Virginia has been marked by resilience; after spending three years at Auburn and transferring to South Florida, where she was named AAC Preseason Player of the Year, she has now returned to a Power Four conference with renewed vigor.
“I’m just blessed to be here,” she added, reflecting on her experiences. As she integrates into the Cavaliers, her journey in pursuit of excellence and team success will undoubtedly add depth to Virginia’s aspirations this season.
As the Cavaliers continue their campaign with over 25 games ahead, Levy’s ability to adapt and contribute will be crucial in their quest against formidable ACC opponents. Given her strong debut performance and Agugua-Hamilton’s confidence in her talent, Levy may very well be the missing piece the Cavaliers need to compete at a higher level.
