Florida State University Athletics
Ronald Hughey Returns to Tallahassee as Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach
4/7/2026 2:49:00 PM | Women's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE – Florida State women's basketball head coach Brooke Wyckoff announced the hiring of assistant coach Ronald Hughey on Tuesday. Hughey, a 22-year women's basketball coach including an 11-year stint as head coach of Houston, returns to Tallahassee with a wealth of experience and a proven track record from his previous roles.
"I am thrilled to welcome Ronald Hughey back to Florida State," Wyckoff said. "Having him join our staff is a significant step forward for our program. He brings extensive experience as both a head coach and one of the top assistant coaches in the country. He has unmatched energy and passion for the game, as well as a wealth of knowledge, especially on the defensive end, that will directly impact success on the court. He is an elite recruiter and developer of high-level talent. Most importantly, Coach Hughey is a relationship builder who invests greatly in the student-athletes and his colleagues. We are so excited for all that he will bring to our program."
Hughey rejoins Florida State after helping lead Virginia on an historic Sweet 16 run. The Cavaliers won an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2018 and became the first play-in team to advance past the first weekend of play. The Cavaliers finished the season ranked 19th in the AP poll behind a 22-12 record after wins in the NCAA Tournament over 10-seed Arizona State in the First Four, 7-seed Georgia in the first round and 2-seed Iowa in the second round.
Before his success at Virginia, Hughey became the seventh head coach at Houston and led the Cougars from 2014 to 2025, after serving as an assistant under Sue Semrau from 2012 to 2014. During his time in Tallahassee, he was pivotal in Florida State's return to the NCAA Tournament, achieving second-round appearances in both 2013 and 2014, while the Noles won at least 20 games in each of his two seasons.
Hughey's recruiting acumen has been widely recognized, notably playing a key role in securing one of the nation's top recruiting classes in 2013. Hughey recruited the No. 7 class by All-Star Girls and No. 11 by ESPN HoopGurlz, which included FSU standouts Ivey Slaughter, Brittany Brown, and Kai James. James came to campus as a McDonald's All-American.
After Hughey moved on to Houston, his recruiting efforts during his time at FSU were a key component for two Elite Eight runs in 2015 and 2017, helping guide key pieces such as Adut Bulgak, Morgan Jones, Maegan Conwright, Shakayla Thomas, Emiah Bingley, Ama Degbeon, and Shakena Richardson among others to Tallahassee.
His efforts in player development are evidenced by his work with WBCA All-American and AP All-America Honorable Mention Natasha Howard, who had her jersey retired in November of 2025. Howard was the fifth pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft and went on to capture three WNBA titles and two Defensive Player of the Year honors in her 11 professional seasons.
While at the helm at Houston, Hughey guided the Cougars to four WNIT appearances and captured eight all-conference selections. Four student-athletes were named to the All-Freshman team and Tiara Young was tabbed the Sixth Player of the Year in 2023.
His coaching career also included stops at Texas, UCF, Rutgers, South Carolina, and South Carolina State as an assistant coach.
"I am super excited about being back at Florida State, a place I consider my second home," Hughey said. "Words can't express how I feel about Brooke, who I love and respect tremendously, to give me the opportunity to return to a place I love! Go Noles!"
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Hughey holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Limestone College. He has three children, Sanabarbara, Rhonda, Hunter and is married to his wife Shae.
For more updates on FSU women's basketball, follow the team on Instagram (FSUWBB), X (FSUWBB) and Facebook (FSUWomensBasketball).
"I am thrilled to welcome Ronald Hughey back to Florida State," Wyckoff said. "Having him join our staff is a significant step forward for our program. He brings extensive experience as both a head coach and one of the top assistant coaches in the country. He has unmatched energy and passion for the game, as well as a wealth of knowledge, especially on the defensive end, that will directly impact success on the court. He is an elite recruiter and developer of high-level talent. Most importantly, Coach Hughey is a relationship builder who invests greatly in the student-athletes and his colleagues. We are so excited for all that he will bring to our program."
Hughey rejoins Florida State after helping lead Virginia on an historic Sweet 16 run. The Cavaliers won an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2018 and became the first play-in team to advance past the first weekend of play. The Cavaliers finished the season ranked 19th in the AP poll behind a 22-12 record after wins in the NCAA Tournament over 10-seed Arizona State in the First Four, 7-seed Georgia in the first round and 2-seed Iowa in the second round.
Before his success at Virginia, Hughey became the seventh head coach at Houston and led the Cougars from 2014 to 2025, after serving as an assistant under Sue Semrau from 2012 to 2014. During his time in Tallahassee, he was pivotal in Florida State's return to the NCAA Tournament, achieving second-round appearances in both 2013 and 2014, while the Noles won at least 20 games in each of his two seasons.
Hughey's recruiting acumen has been widely recognized, notably playing a key role in securing one of the nation's top recruiting classes in 2013. Hughey recruited the No. 7 class by All-Star Girls and No. 11 by ESPN HoopGurlz, which included FSU standouts Ivey Slaughter, Brittany Brown, and Kai James. James came to campus as a McDonald's All-American.
After Hughey moved on to Houston, his recruiting efforts during his time at FSU were a key component for two Elite Eight runs in 2015 and 2017, helping guide key pieces such as Adut Bulgak, Morgan Jones, Maegan Conwright, Shakayla Thomas, Emiah Bingley, Ama Degbeon, and Shakena Richardson among others to Tallahassee.
His efforts in player development are evidenced by his work with WBCA All-American and AP All-America Honorable Mention Natasha Howard, who had her jersey retired in November of 2025. Howard was the fifth pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft and went on to capture three WNBA titles and two Defensive Player of the Year honors in her 11 professional seasons.
While at the helm at Houston, Hughey guided the Cougars to four WNIT appearances and captured eight all-conference selections. Four student-athletes were named to the All-Freshman team and Tiara Young was tabbed the Sixth Player of the Year in 2023.
His coaching career also included stops at Texas, UCF, Rutgers, South Carolina, and South Carolina State as an assistant coach.
"I am super excited about being back at Florida State, a place I consider my second home," Hughey said. "Words can't express how I feel about Brooke, who I love and respect tremendously, to give me the opportunity to return to a place I love! Go Noles!"
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Hughey holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Limestone College. He has three children, Sanabarbara, Rhonda, Hunter and is married to his wife Shae.
For more updates on FSU women's basketball, follow the team on Instagram (FSUWBB), X (FSUWBB) and Facebook (FSUWomensBasketball).
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