It is no secret that Virginia women’s basketball has been looking for another co-star. The epicenter of Charlottesville's basketball universe rightfully revolves around megastar junior guard Kymora Johnson, and senior guard Paris Clark is the clear No. 2, but what about a third star?
Senior forward Latasha Lattimore left for Ole Miss in the transfer portal this past offseason, leaving a significant void of production both offensively and defensively. As a result, the Cavaliers were in need of production at the wing and center.
In Tuesday’s season opener against Morgan State, Virginia got production from graduate guard Romi Levy, who co-authored a dominant victory.
Levy surpassed 1,000 career points Tuesday, but that’s not all. She also led the Cavaliers with 11 rebounds, finished second with four assists and tied for third with eight points. Above all, however, her plus-minus score of 33 ranked second among all players.
Levy’s holistically strong performance Tuesday was accomplished despite five players tallying more minutes. Only Johnson provided more productive minutes on the court, with a plus-minus score of 39. Levy made the most of her near-19 minutes according to Agugua-Hamilton.
“She's really a guard that can play [power forward], you know, she can do multiple things,” Agugua-Hamilton said. “She has a motor that's crazy.”
As a flexible player who transcends typical positions, Levy’s strong start to the season could elevate the Cavaliers to new heights. Perhaps the triumvirate was completed.
In an era of college basketball where star-studded LSU, Connecticut and South Carolina are seemingly unstoppable, the only response is to create a superteam capable of keeping up. Virginia has an A-lister in Johnson, and a perfect Robin in Clark. But Levy completes the core.
Levy, Johnson and Clark combined for 50 points Tuesday — more than the entire Morgan State team — and 25 rebounds, which were three shy of outpacing the entire opposing team as well.. Granted, the Bears are not a Power Four team and are light-years beneath the giants of the ACC such as Duke or NC State. But still, a win is a win — and there is a long season ahead. This team will need Levy’s talents, and, according to Agugua-Hamilton, those talents are abundant.
“Offensively, she can drive, she can get to the mid-range, she can shoot,” Agugua-Hamilton said. “So I think we can move her around and just showcase her versatility.”
With 25-plus games ahead, that versatility will be pivotal against ACC contenders. And while the team will certainly evolve throughout the season, Levy’s stellar debut will not go unnoticed.
“I'm really happy to be here, and I'm really excited to see what we can do as a team,” Levy said.
Levy, a transfer from South Florida, has had a long journey to Virginia. The Israeli forward spent three years at Auburn, battling multiple injuries.
“I'm just blessed to be here,” Levy said.
She transferred to South Florida after the 2022-23 season, searching for opportunities. But her interlude in Florida took her out of a Power Four conference. While with the Bulls, Levy earned AAC Preseason Player of the Year honors before the 2024-25 campaign. She was a dominant force for South Florida, which brought her back to the biggest stage in college basketball this season.
“I'm happy to be here with [Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton] and around the team, because I had a tough year last year, and I'm surrounded by the best people that can just make me better.”
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