The University of the Virgin Islands Athletics Department has announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2025-26 Lady Buccaneers’ basketball season.
This decision follows thorough discussions among the athletics staff, university leadership, and student-athletes. Among several factors, an insufficient number of active student-athletes highlight the interruption of the season, citing concern for student-athlete safety and well-being.
Additionally, this pause provides the University’s athletic department with the opportunity to address the vacant coaching positions with the departure of head coach Stephanie Cooper and graduate assistant coach Aliyah-Deen Ahmad.
“It was an extremely tough decision to cancel the remainder of the season, but nothing is more important than the health and safety of our student-athletes,” said UVI Director of Athletics Dr. Karen Carty. “UVI is committed to supporting our student-athletes and ensuring a strong foundation for the program’s future. The women will be able to use the Spring 2026 semester to focus on their academics and training to prepare for the upcoming season.”
The Lady Buccaneers conclude the season with a 2-7 record, including three consecutive forfeit losses.
The team’s last competition came on November 15 when they played at Philander Smith University.
Despite the current season’s cancellation, the University is dedicated to revitalizing the program and aims to compete in the fall of 2026. All rostered student-athletes will retain their year of eligibility due to the suspended season.
