TOLEDO, Ohio — "Contagious energy" became the phrase on the floor Tuesday afternoon.
University of Toledo's Ginny Boggess made reference to that multiple times during her introductory press conference inside Savage Arena. She explained the term relates to why she chose the Rockets and what she hopes to experience during her new tenure.
Whether cracking jokes, describing her journey or wearing gold shoes Boggess, made sure to reveal her character to fans.
"As a leader, I come in with a standard and we want to clearly define that standard, hoping we meet and exceed it," Boggess said. "It's already established here so now we get to lock arms and get to work which is the coolest thing about Day One here."
In her previous stop at Monmouth University, her leadership resulted in an impressive turnaround. She inherited a two-win program and in three years elevated the Hawks to a NCAA Tournament berth in 2023, followed by 22 victories in 2024, in her first head coaching job.
There's no rebuilding in the Glass City, as Boggess takes over a team that has won the last three MAC regular season titles under former head coach Tricia Cullop, who left for the top job in Miami.
"I don't think about the pressure of the job or taking over for Coach Cullop," Boggess said. "No one can put more pressure on me than myself and the standard of the job is excellence."
She also reunites with graduate student and forward Nan Garcia. The two were both at Penn State University when Boggess was an assistant coach.
A sense of family played a big factor in both sides agreeing to this hire. For more than three decades, Toledo has led the conference in attendance and most recently stood among the Top 30 in the nation.
"Certainly the history helps, the best predictor of success is past success," Boggess said. "Knowing the support these young women get on and off the floor, with how the community rallies around excellence is something that was impactful for me."
A week is all it took between Cullop's departure and Boggess' arrival. UToledo's Vice President and Athletic Director, Bryan B. Blair, explained on Tuesday that "pace" became a top priority with the transfer portal and recruiting changing constantly.
In the span of four days, he said he interviewed nearly a dozen coaches for the opening. That included Boggess who had to be pulled away from vacation in Florida to meet with him.
"Her confidence when she first walked in the room was that of somebody who won't shy away of who she's following or how big the lights are," Blair said. "She won't shy away from the pressure of the fan base or following in the footsteps of a Tricia Cullop."
Blair, who made his first big hire since taking over at Toledo, told WTOL 11 that they could afford to be "picky." The program has proven to be one of the best mid-majors in the country.
The hiring process showcased that as well, with 30 overall candidates interested, ranging from Power 5 assistants to head coaches who were coming off conference championships.
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