Welcome back to Around The Corner – the weekly installment covering the biggest news in Virginia athletics.
It’s an all-around winning season in Charlottesville. The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball
team secured an 87-53 win in the season opener against Rider University on Monday, which also marked head coach Ryan Odom’s inaugural game as a ‘Hoo.
And of course, Virginia football is taking the season by storm, extending their winning streak to seven games with a 31-21 win on Saturday against California. As if basketball and football victories weren’t enough, the ‘Hoos are winning across the fall sports. Check out the latest news for Virginia athletics.
Notable News
Thijs de Ridder leads UVA basketball to 87-53 win vs. Rider – Streaking The Lawn
The men’s basketball program (1-0) dominated Rider on Monday night with huge contributions from the 22-year old freshman from Belgium, Thijs de Ridder. The 6-foot-9 forward put up 21 points, one three-pointer, and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes.
De Ridder was an all-around offensive threat, owning the block, hitting a transition three, and coming off a screen at the top of the key. He missed two free throws and earned some foul trouble, but was an overall presence on the court in John Paul Jones arena for a shared Virginia debut for himself, Odom, and nearly all of the roster and coaching staff.
Robinson Nabs Third ACC Weekly Honor – Virginia Sports
As the top team in the ACC with a seven-game winning streak, Virginia football (8-1, 5-1) is having its best season start since 1990. The success is due, in part, to Kam Robinson, who has been named ACC linebacker of the week – for the third time this season.
Robinson snagged his fifth career interception in the final seconds against California on Saturday. His touchdown conversion stretched Virginia’s lead 31-21, cementing the victory. The 6-foot-2 junior from Tappahannock, VA has tallied 54 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions in the 2025 season alone.
NC State Women, Virginia Men Win 2025 ACC Cross Country Championships – ACC
The Virginia Men’s Cross Country team secured their first ACC Championship title since 2008. The ‘Hoos claimed the conference title by slim margins, beating Syracuse University by only four points in the championship 8 kilometer race. Gary Martin finished in second place (22:39.4), and was accompanied by scoring teammates Justin Wachtel (10th, 22:59.7), Nathan Mountain (12th, 23:00.5), Brett Gardner (13th, 23:01.5), and Nick Bendsten (23:25.3).
Kate Douglass, Kaylee McKeown break world records at Westmont World Cup – CBS Sports
Virginia Swim and Dive alumni continue to dominate in professional sports. Virginia graduate and two-time Olympian Kate Douglass clocked 50.19 in the 100m free at the World Cup in October. She is the first American woman to break a 100m world record since 2008.
Douglass earned gold 200m backstroke and silver in the 4x100m relay and 200m medley in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Swanson Picks Up 500th Career Win In Victory Over Boston College – Virginia Sports
Women’s Soccer head coach Steve Swanson earned his 500th career win against Boston College on Thursday in Charlottesville. Swanson is one of our Division I coaches to tally 500 wins, which he earned across tenures at Virginia, Dartmouth, and Stanford. Plus, the winning hasn’t stopped: the ‘Hoos (12-2-3, 6-2-2) advanced to the ACC semifinals with a tie-branking penalty kick against Florida State University on Monday, adding to Swanson’s winning column.
Social Media Dive
If you missed the men’s basketball season debut, you have to check out the throwback jerseys. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a little Rotunda photoshoot?
Plus, Virginia quarterback Chandler Morriss has a call to action for Virginia fans this week: pack Scott Stadium against Wake Forest.
