BALTIMORE - UMBC Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation Tiffany D. Tucker announced a multi-year contract extension for Head Women's Basketball Coach Candice Hill. 

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this program and representing UMBC Women's Basketball," said Hill. "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. 

Hill, entering her third season at the helm of the Retrievers, holds the highest winning percentage in program history in the Division I era. She enters year three with a record of 31-30.

"It's a great day to be a Retriever," said Tucker. "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."

When Hill arrived at UMBC, she inherited a program that had won 10 or fewer games in six of seven seasons. Under her leadership, the Retrievers posted a record of 14-15 in 2024-25 before following it up with a 17-15 campaign in 2025-26, giving UMBC its best season in a decade. After a tight double-overtime loss to eventual America East Champion Vermont, Hill's program earned a WNIT bid, where she added a postseason win to her resume by defeating Ohio on the road in the opening round. 

On November 13, 2025, UMBC entered John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia, and defeated Virginia, 61-56, to earn the program's first-ever win over a Power Four opponent. UMBC went on to win 10 America East games, earned the No. 4 seed in the tournament, and defeated NJIT in the First Round. 

"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," said Hill. "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!"

Under Hill's guidance, five Retrievers have earned America East postseason honors. Jade Tillman (25-26) and Jordon Lewis (24-25) have been named to all-conference teams, with Tillman earning Newcomer of the Year honors. Kennedy Austin and Heidi Williams earned spots on the All-Rookie team, while Tiara Bellamy was named to the All-Defensive team. Tillman became just the sixth player in program history to garner a spot on the All-America East First Team. 

Statistically, the 2025-26 team performed near the top of the UMBC Record Book. The Retrievers tied for the fourth-most wins in program history with 17; tied for the third-most points scored in program history with 1,994; tied for the second-most steals in program history with 311; and allowed the fifth-fewest points per game, holding opposing teams to 58.4 points per contest.