The University of Maryland, Baltimore County announced a multi-year contract extension for head women’s basketball coach Candice Hill on Oct. 30, 2026. Hill is entering her third season leading UMBC Women’s Basketball after guiding the Retrievers to a 17-15 record and the program’s best season in a decade in 2025-26.
Hill enters her third season with a 31-30 record at UMBC and the highest winning percentage in program history during the Division I era. The Retrievers also earned a WNIT bid and defeated Ohio on the road in the opening round last season.
Why UMBC Extended Candice Hill
UMBC improved from 14-15 in 2024-25 to 17-15 in 2025-26. The Retrievers lost to eventual America East champion Vermont in a double-overtime game before earning the WNIT invitation and defeating Ohio on the road in the opening round.
On Nov. 13, 2025, UMBC defeated Virginia 61-56 at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia, for the program’s first win over a Power Four opponent. UMBC also won 10 America East games, earned the No. 4 seed in the conference tournament, and defeated NJIT in the first round.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this program and representing UMBC Women’s Basketball,” Hill said. “UMBC is a special place, and I’ll never take for granted the trust and belief that has been placed in me by our administration, specifically President Valerie Sheares Ashby and Director of Athletics Tiffany D. Tucker.”
Tiffany D. Tucker, UMBC Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, said the extension continues the transformation of the women’s basketball program under Hill. “It’s a great day to be a Retriever,” Tucker said. “We could not be more excited to continue the transformation of our women’s basketball program led by Coach Hill. Coach Hill has already created a culture of excellence, collaboration, and GRIT within her program. She is the right person to lead Baltimore’s team in the present and future.”
UMBC Women’s Basketball Built a Strong 2025-26 Resume
Five UMBC players earned America East postseason honors under Hill’s guidance. Jade Tillman and Jordon Lewis were named to all-conference teams, with Tillman earning Newcomer of the Year honors, while Kennedy Austin and Heidi Williams earned All-Rookie team spots. Tiara Bellamy was named to the All-Defensive team. Tillman became the sixth player in program history to earn a spot on the All-America East First Team.
The 2025-26 Retrievers tied for the fourth-most wins in program history with 17, tied for the third-most points scored with 1,994, and tied for the second-most steals with 311. UMBC also allowed 58.4 points per game, the fifth-fewest average in program history. These accomplishments marked the strongest season in a decade for the UMBC women’s basketball program.
Upcoming UMBC Women’s Basketball Games
UMBC Women’s Basketball is scheduled to face Stevenson on Nov. 2, 2026, at 6 p.m., followed by a game against Mount St. Mary’s on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. The Retrievers also play Morgan State on Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m., Coppin State on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., and Notre Dame of Maryland on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.
The schedule continues with American on Dec. 21 at noon; NJIT on Jan. 3, 2027, at 2 p.m.; Maine on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m.; New Hampshire on Jan. 9 at 2 p.m.; and Bryant on Jan. 14 at noon. Venue details for these games were not provided.
“While I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made as a program, I know that we have more work to do and more history to write. I want to say thank you to every player, coach, staff member, fan, and member of this community who has poured into our program,” Hill said. “I am excited to continue leading, growing, and making a positive impact on our student-athletes and our UMBC community for many years to come. It is an honor to be part of something so special, and I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together!”
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The extension keeps Hill in charge of UMBC’s women’s basketball program after a 17-15 season that included a WNIT bid, a conference tournament victory, and the program’s first win over a Power Four opponent. Her 31-30 record and the program’s highest winning percentage in the Division I era provide the central measures of her progress at UMBC.
The 2025-26 season also produced five America East postseason honorees and several top marks in the UMBC record book. Hill now enters her third season with the Retrievers after the university extended her contract for multiple years.
Read the official University of Maryland, Baltimore County announcement.
Source: Original report
