VSU Athletics has opted not to renew James, Hill, Jr. Contract. After a 2021-22 season ending with a 13-17 overall record and a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) semi-final finish, the VSU women's basketball team will be going in a new coaching direction. Rounding out his 16^th season and a career record of 246-184 with the Trojans, Coach James Hill, Jr. will not be returning to the program.

"We would like to thank Coach Hill for his service and dedication to Virginia State University and the Women's Basketball program over the last 16 seasons," said Peggy Davis Associate VP for Intercollegiate Athletics . 

During his career, Hill led the Trojans to five 20-win seasons and a CIAA Women's Basketball Championship. It was during the 2015 season when Hill accomplished one of his goals when he led the Trojans to a dominating 73-49 win over the Lincoln (Pa.) Lady Lions to claim the team's first CIAA women's basketball championship since the 2002 season. The championship highlighted a tremendous season for the Trojans that included a pair of All-CIAA performers.

While the championship is a highlight in Hill's career, it was not the only milestone he obtained. During the 2013-14 season, the team secured a stellar 25-3 record, earning the Trojans a bid to the 2014 NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament. In total, Hill has led the Trojans to five trips to the NCAA Division II Athletic Region Tournament as well as four CIAA division championships. During the 2017 season, Hill hit another major milestone when he led the Trojans to a 52-51 win over the Mansfield Mountaineers to claim his 200th victory as head coach of the Trojans.

It was during the 2009-10 season that Hill secured his first NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament trip with the Trojans after a 22-7 season record. The Trojans finished the season with an 18-4 CIAA record and also earned the first Top 20 ranking in the USA Today/ESPN Women's Basketball Top 25 Poll. The Trojans worked their way as far up as a #16 ranking during that season. Hill made another Top 25 appearance during the 2013-14 season, securing the No.10 spot.

For his efforts, Hill has earned several honors in addition to his three CIAA Women's Basketball Coach of the Year honors (2009, 2010, and 2014). He was also the 2014-15 HBCU Mid-Major Coach of the Year, the 2014-15 Clarence "Big House" Gaines College Basketball Coach of the Year, the 2017 Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee and the 2019 VSU Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee.

In addition to leading his teams to success on the court, Hill led the Trojans to success in the classroom. He has coached several academically sound teams allowing them to claim the CIAA highest team grade point average (GPA) and the John B. McLendeon Team Sportsmanship Award during his tenure.
Thank you to Coach James Hill, Jr. for the hard work, dedication and legacy he has left on the VSU Trojans women's basketball program.