A hush lies over Scott Stadium as Virginia enters its first full month without a history-making football team bringing energy to the University since July. But spring in Charlottesville does not mean Virginia Athletics is slowing down. In fact, it picks up, as many winter sports are already in full swing, and spring sports — some of Virginia’s most successful — approach the season’s beginning.
As Virginia spectators have heard often — especially from Coach Tony Elliott — fan attendance is a crucial element for a team’s success at home games. As Virginia’s student-athletes in the pool, on the field, around the track and on the river count on fans to support them, here are six important home matchups to look forward to as the semester kicks off.
1. No. 16 Men’s basketball vs. No. 14 North Carolina, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.
Coach Ryan Odom’s Cavaliers (15-2, 4-1 ACC) are undefeated in John Paul Jones Arena this season, sitting at No. 3 in the ACC. Despite a crushing triple overtime loss to Virginia Tech, Virginia leads the conference in offensive rebounds and is second in three-point percentage.
From freshman forward Thijs De Ridder, who leads the team in points per game with 27.3, to freshman center Johann Grünloh, who leads in rebounding, Odom’s assembly of a defensive-minded, diversely skilled team has already put on a show at JPJ.
Despite North Carolina having a rough start to conference play, the Tar Heels (14-4, 2-3 ACC) could be one of the tightest ACC competitors the Cavaliers will face at home. Major players include freshman forward Caleb Wilson, who leads the Tar Heels in points per game, rebounds and blocks per game and junior center Henri Veesaar, who leads in field goal percentage and three-point percentage. The matchup against North Carolina is likely to be a defensive battle between two teams that have displayed strong rebounding thus far.
If this pitch isn’t convincing enough, the University is set to dedicate the JPJ Arena court in honor of former head coach Tony Bennett in a pre-game ceremony approximately 15 minutes before tip-off, according to Virginia Athletics.
2. Women’s basketball vs. Virginia Tech, March 1 at 12 p.m.
Last season, the Virginia women opened their first Commonwealth Clash battle with a win. But in their second showing at JPJ, the Cavaliers dropped off with a large 25-point loss at home in their second matchup against the Hokies.
In a turnaround from last season — where Virginia finished in the bottom half of the ACC — the Cavaliers (13-5, 5-2 ACC) are currently fifth in the conference. Given that their first matchup against the Hokies (13-5, 3-3 ACC) is at home, this will not only bring the typical high energy that a rivalry game does, but it will also serve as a revenge game for the Cavaliers, who have turned themselves around following last season.
Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton has built a program to complement junior guard Kymora Johnson’s talent, which was previously one of the only consistently positive aspects of the women’s basketball team.
As Johnson leads the team with 18.1 points per game, her explosive style of play is accompanied by new and returning players. From transfer senior forward Tabitha Amanze — who recently notched a double-double against Georgia Tech — to veteran senior guard Paris Clark, things are falling into place for Virginia consistently week-to-week. The Cavaliers have a strong chance at taking back the Commonwealth at home in their second of two matchups against the Hokies.
3. Swimming hosts the Cavalier Invitational, Feb. 5-7
It is no secret that Virginia’s swim team has been a spectacle to watch, particularly the women’s side — but the No. 22 men are also making a name for themselves this season. The five-time reigning national champions are gunning for a sixth, but will stay at the Aquatic & Fitness Center in their final meet before diving into the post-season.
The Cavaliers are hosting the sixth-annual Cavalier Invitational the first weekend of February. A limited roster is taken to the ACC Championships, and a cap of 18 swimmers will be eligible to compete at the National Championship, so this will also be many swimmers’ final meet — and will serve as an at-home goodbye for a star-studded team.
Virginia has had only two home meets this season — excluding the Invitational. The Cavaliers have one last at-home hoorah, and it is sure to be one to watch as a star-studded team — including Olympians sophomore Katie Grimes, seniors Emma Weber and Aimee Canny and junior Claire Curzan — prepares for the chance to make history at the National Championships come March.
4. Men’s lacrosse vs. Utah, March 21 (time TBA)
The men’s and women’s lacrosse teams will join forces in a doubleheader at Scott Stadium, with the men playing Utah and the women facing off against ACC opponent Syracuse. With the games being played at Scott Stadium, rather than their usual Klöckner Field, this will be the perfect trial run for the Virginia men before the 2026 Men’s NCAA Lacrosse Championship Weekend is held at Scott Stadium in May. Fans can receive a preview of what a lacrosse game will look like at the stadium.
The Virginia men defeated the Utes at home last season 14-9 in an offensive showout, but Utah has been an up-and-coming team proving that lacrosse has expanded nationally, and that West Coast opponents can hang with blue blood teams East Coast teams such as the Cavaliers.
On the Cavaliers’ side, one can hope for a similar showing this season. Virginia’s offense is expected to be a powerhouse, featuring brothers junior attacker McCabe Millon and freshman attacker Brendan Millon, the latter of whom was the No. 1 overall prospect in his college recruiting class based on the Inside Lacrosse rankings. McCabe finished his sophomore campaign second on the team in points with 50, and the duo is expected to energize and lead the Cavaliers’ offense throughout the spring.
5. Women’s lacrosse vs Syracuse, March 21 (time TBA)
The Virginia women will play a close matchup against the Orange, a team equally talented in the dominant ACC conference. Last season, the Cavaliers fell in a heartbreaking 12-13 loss in Syracuse, N.Y. The matchup is likely to be energetic on its own as Virginia not only seeks revenge, but also dedicates the game to celebrating 50 years of Virginia women’s lacrosse.
The three-time national champions are expected to be led by junior midfielder Kate Galica, who has been a phenom since arriving at Virginia. The 2025 First Team All American and ACC Midfielder of the Year has dominated on the draw, allowing Virginia’s offense to flow successfully.
Galica will also be joined by the returning Third Team All-American, junior attacker Madison Alaimo, and a prominent freshman class, featuring five players who were named to the Inside Lacrosse Power 100 Freshman Rankings.
With the Virginia men and women bringing their talents to Scott Stadium March 21, these two matchups will be a must-watch, complementing each other well.
6. Softball vs. Liberty, March 25
Virginia softball is out for revenge. After a season-ending loss in Regional play for the second season in a row, the Cavaliers will look to build another strong winning season — but top it off more successfully.
While the ACC features top National Championship contenders, including Florida State and Clemson — who finished No. 9 and No. 11, respectively last season — another competitor not far from Charlottesville will give the Cavaliers a tough but exciting matchup.
Liberty finished the 2025 season ranked No. 16 in the NCAA. While Virginia lost 3-4 to the Flames early on last season, the Cavaliers beat them 5-3 at home in their final matchup before the ACC Championship. An in-state rivalry against two talented teams at Palmer Park, midway through this season, will be full of energy and likely to bring Commonwealth fans together.
Joined by freshman outfielder Jaiden Griffith, who is ranked among the top 100 freshmen in Division I softball, the Cavaliers will look to take down a competitive team on their way back to the NCAA Tournament.
Whether at JPJ, the AFC, Scott Stadium or Palmer Park, Virginia's home slate for the spring gives Cavalier fans plenty to look forward to. From rivalry renewals to marquee matchups, attendance by the Charlottesville faithful is an essential piece to the programs’ success this semester. Mark these dates, show up early and be loud, and help make Virginia’s spring teams feel the same home-field advantage that powered the fall — with the hope that similar results will follow.
Correction: This article previously stated that the women’s basketball home match against Virginia Tech would be Feb. 1 and that the game would be the second of two matches. The article has been updated to reflect these changes.
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