This past Sunday, Dean Ian Solomon took a timeout from his regular day-to-day responsibilities to step in as guest coach for the UVA women’s basketball team as they faced off against Old Dominion University. Batten student and senior guard Jocelyn Willoughby (MPP ’21) nominated Dean Solomon for the Guest Coach program, a unique offering designed to strengthen on-Grounds relationships between athletics and academics.
“We have found that the Guest Coach program is a great way for faculty, staff, and other supporters of our program to get a behind-the-scenes look at what game day consists of for our student-athletes,” said Katherine Lawrence, who helps to organize the Guest Coach program as an academic coordinator for the Athletic Department. “It takes a lot to prepare for a game, both mentally and physically, and this is the student’s opportunity to show that perspective. We find a lot of value in creating opportunities for faculty, staff, and student-athletes to interact and build relationships. When I ask for recommendations, the student-athletes are always excited to send me names!”
On the court, Willoughby—who was recently named ACC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for her career-high performance during Virginia’s season opener against Bucknell—hit a game-tying three-point shot with seconds remaining in regulation, leading the Hoos to a 56-53 overtime victory.
Photographer Tom Cogill captured game day with the dean.
