‘Honor of my life’: UVA celebrates Debbie Ryan with banner at JPJ

February 9, 2026
Candid of Debbie Ryan walking onto the court of John Paul Jones Arena waving to the crowd

Debbie Ryan waves to the crowd upon entering the court at John Paul Jones Arena on Sunday. Ryan, 鶹ƽ all-time winningest women’s basketball coach, was celebrated with a banner raised in her honor.

Debbie Ryan’s banner was raised to a spot in the John Paul Jones Arena rafters next to the retired numbers of former University of Virginia women’s basketball players Donna Holt, Monica Wright and Dawn Staley.

It’s only fitting. All three Cavaliers starred for Ryan at some point over her 34 seasons as UVA coach.

“I told my players that that banner belonged to them,” Ryan said. “They earned it. And we worked very hard for it.”

Large group photo of Debbie Ryan, Scott Beardsley, Carla Williams and other honored guests

Ryan smiles alongside members of her family, UVA President Scott Beardsley and Director of Athletics Carla Williams.

Ryan’s legacy now has a permanent spot in JPJ after a Sunday ceremony honoring Virginia’s iconic women’s basketball leader of three decades. The banner bearing her name was revealed at halftime of the .

A crowd of 5,223, which included many of Ryan’s former players and staff members, delivered a rousing ovation for Ryan, a 2008 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee who led the Hoos to three Final Four appearances and 14 Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and tournament championships.

She retired after the 2010-11 season with 739 wins, .

Debbie Ryan’s banner hanging in the rafters of John Paul Jones Arena

Ryan’s banner makes its way to the rafters at JPJ. Ryan coached the Cavaliers for 34 seasons, totaling 739 wins.

“You all are a part of it, too,” Ryan told the JPJ crowd Sunday. “It’s your banner, too. It’s been the honor of my life to be a coach in this program.”

Ryan was joined on the court by members of her family as well as UVA Director of Athletics Carla Williams and President Scott Beardsley.

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“I really cared about the fans here and the people who supported us,” Ryan said. “I cared a lot, and I still do. I want to say thank you for everything you’ve done for women’s basketball and myself.”

The court in the women’s basketball practice gym at JPJ .

Debbie Ryan addressing the crowd at John Paul Jones Arena

Ryan addresses the crowd at JPJ. “It’s your banner, too,” she told them. “It’s been the honor of my life to be a coach in this program.”
Debbie Ryan speaking to the crown in John Paul Jones Arena with Scott Beardsley and Carla Williams standing nearby in the background

UVA President Scott Beardsley and Director of Athletics Carla Williams look on as Ryan thanks her supporters.
Debbie Ryan poses for a selfie from the court of John Paul Jones Arena

Ryan becomes a selfie subject during a celebration in her honor at JPJ.
A fan picking up a souvenir mini Debbie Ryan banner

Fans receive mini banners upon entering Sunday’s game. It was a banner day at JPJ for a variety of reasons, including the Cavaliers’ victory over Notre Dame.
Closed up of a plaque commending Debbie Ryan’s coaching career at UVA

The Virginia Senate commends Ryan for her coaching career at UVA.
Debbie Ryan waving to the crowd at John Paul Jones Arena

Ryan salutes the crowd of more than 5,000 at JPJ.

Media Contacts

Quinn Hull

Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

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