Dan Bonner Honored with Induction into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame: Celebrating a Legend

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Dan Bonner is a familiar face in college basketball broadcasting, but his connection to the sport runs even deeper. He played and coached at the University of Virginia (UVA) and is now set to be inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

Bonner was thrilled when he learned of his induction. “I was excited but really surprised,” he said. “I never did this for recognition; I did it because I loved it.”

Originally from Pittsburgh, Bonner came to UVA in the early 1970s to play basketball. He didn’t see much playing time until his senior year under Coach Holland. “It was a great experience. Coach Holland had a huge influence on my life,” he shared.

After graduating, Bonner started coaching the UVA women’s basketball team for two seasons alongside Debbie Ryan. “We were both new to it, but we worked together and became great friends,” he recalled. They leaned on each other, with Bonner stepping in as head coach when Debbie was considered too inexperienced for the role.

Years later, he became the girls’ basketball coach at R.E. Lee High School in Staunton. During his four seasons there, he led the team to the state finals in 2002, a moment he cherishes. “I loved being with the kids. Coaching high school girls was different, but very rewarding,” he said.

Bonner stepped back from coaching to focus on his broadcasting career, where he has covered Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) games and participated in every NCAA men’s basketball tournament for the last 40 years. “It’s been a great thrill for me. I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way,” he noted, emphasizing the friendships he’s built through the sport.

Today, Dan Bonner lives in Augusta County with his wife, continuing his journey in the basketball world as he prepares for his upcoming induction into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.