June 25, 2002

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Former University of Richmond standout Daryl Oliver has been hired as an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Virginia, head coach Debbie Ryan announced on Tuesday.

Oliver spent last season as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky, helping the Hilltopper women to a 16-14 record and a second-place finish in the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference en route to a Women's National Invitation Tournament berth. He coordinated the team's tape exchange, coached the perimeter players, and participated in recruiting and scouting.

At Virginia, Oliver will entertain a wide-range of duties. He will be involved with recruiting and will focus primarily on guard play.

"Daryl is an up-and-coming star in this profession," Ryan said. "He brings a lot to the table in terms of knowledge of the game and in his ability to relate to our players. Daryl has a strong work ethic and is very familiar with our program. He will be involved in every aspect of our program as I prepare all of my assistants to be head coaches."

The Faison, N.C., native graduated from Richmond in 1998 with a bachelor of arts degree in speech communication. A four-year letterwinner for the Spiders, Oliver served as team captain for two seasons and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1996 and 1997. As a senior, he led Richmond to the Colonial Athletic Conference Tournament championship and was named tourney MVP. His older brother, Anthony Oliver, played basketball at Virginia from 1989 to 1992.

"I'm truly blessed to have the opportunity to work in the University of Virginia Athletic Department," Oliver said. "It is one of the premiere departments in the country. I hope that I can help continue UVa's strong tradition as one of the nation's top women's basketball programs."

Following graduation, Oliver served as camp coordinator for Debbie Ryan Basketball Camps while substitute teaching for the Charlottesville City Schools for three years. Additionally, Oliver was the head coach of the UVa women's basketball club team for the 2001 season. He guided the squad to a 24-5 record as well as the East Coast Division Regular-Season and Tournament championships. Oliver joined the Western Kentucky coaching staff in August 2001.

Oliver begins his duties at UVa on June 25. He replaces Nikki Caldwell who returned to her alma mater- Tennessee- last month.