Marisa Moseley resigns as Wisconsin women’s basketball coach after four seasons

In a surprising turn of events, Marisa Moseley has officially resigned as the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team after four seasons at the helm. Moseley’s departure comes on the heels of growing criticism and frustration from fans and alumni following a season that failed to meet expectations. Despite showing promise early in her tenure, the Badgers’ performance during the 2025 season—capped off by a disappointing elimination from the Big Ten Tournament—ultimately led to the decision.

This article will take a closer look at Moseley’s resignation, the reasons behind it, and the potential impact on the Wisconsin women’s basketball program moving forward. From the challenges she faced during her time in Madison to the broader implications of her resignation, it is clear that this marks a significant moment for the Badgers as they prepare for a new chapter in their basketball program.

Marisa Moseley’s Journey at Wisconsin: A Promising Start

When Marisa Moseley was hired as the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team in 2022, there was a palpable sense of optimism. Moseley, a former assistant coach at Boston University and Maryland, came with a strong pedigree. Her background, especially at a high-caliber program like Maryland, helped establish her as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Many expected her to bring a fresh approach to Wisconsin, one that would revitalize the program and push it back toward the upper echelons of Big Ten women’s basketball.

The first few months of Moseley’s tenure were full of energy and excitement. She emphasized a fast-paced, defensive-minded approach, and the team responded well in practices. The Badgers’ roster had promising talent, including standout players like Julie Pospisilova, Sarah Williams, and Megan McCarthy, all of whom had the potential to excel under Moseley’s leadership.

In her first season (2022), Wisconsin showed flashes of brilliance, with the team earning some key victories and showing competitiveness in a tough Big Ten conference. However, the team’s inability to string together consistent performances during the regular season and a lackluster showing in the postseason kept them from reaching the NCAA Tournament. While the season wasn’t a failure, it highlighted the growing pains of a program in transition.

Moseley’s second year, 2023, was marked by a similar pattern of inconsistency. There were moments of brilliance, particularly in high-profile games against top-ranked teams, but the Badgers were unable to maintain that level of play throughout the season. The team’s inability to compete in crucial games and their early exit from the Big Ten Tournament raised questions about Moseley’s ability to lead the team to the next level.

Despite these setbacks, Moseley remained optimistic and committed to her vision for the program. She recruited well, adding talent to the team in the form of high school stars and transfers. But it was clear that the team’s progress had stalled. As the 2025 season progressed, the pressure on Moseley increased, culminating in the disappointing exit from the Big Ten Tournament that would ultimately lead to her resignation.

The Turning Point: Wisconsin’s Elimination from the Big Ten Tournament

The 2025 Big Ten Tournament served as the final straw for many fans and supporters of the program. With high expectations and a roster that appeared to be on the verge of success, Wisconsin entered the tournament with hopes of securing a bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, their early elimination at the hands of Indiana exposed several weaknesses, both in terms of execution and coaching.

The Badgers’ performance during the tournament was marred by several issues: turnovers, lack of defensive cohesion, and poor shot selection. The team failed to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, particularly in the second half, and could not execute under pressure. This disappointing performance led to widespread criticism of Moseley’s coaching. Fans pointed to her inability to make the right adjustments, especially during critical moments, as one of the primary reasons for the team’s failure.

While Moseley had continued to preach growth and improvement, the fact remained that the team had not lived up to expectations in her four seasons. The Big Ten Tournament exit represented the culmination of these struggles, and it left many questioning whether Moseley was the right person to lead the program moving forward.

The Pressure Builds: Frustration from Fans and Alumni

As the season came to a close, the frustration among fans and alumni of the Wisconsin women’s basketball program was palpable. Wisconsin has a proud basketball tradition, and the Badgers’ inability to break into the upper tier of the Big Ten and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament under Moseley was seen as a major disappointment.

The resignation of Moseley did not come as a complete surprise to many who had been following the program closely. For several months leading up to the end of the season, there had been growing discontent among supporters. The calls for change began to intensify, particularly after the team’s poor showing in the Big Ten Tournament. Social media was flooded with posts from fans expressing their dissatisfaction with Moseley’s leadership and demanding action from the athletic department.

In the aftermath of the tournament exit, an increasing number of people began to question the trajectory of the program. Moseley’s tenure had been marked by inconsistency, and fans were no longer willing to wait for future success. With an increasing sense of urgency, many felt that the program needed a new direction—someone who could bring the team back to prominence in the competitive Big Ten landscape.

Why Did Marisa Moseley Resign?

While some have speculated that Moseley’s resignation was a result of pressure from fans and alumni, others believe it was a decision she made in collaboration with the athletic department. It’s possible that the mounting frustration surrounding her tenure, coupled with the team’s inability to meet expectations, led to a mutual decision for her to step down.

In a statement issued by Marisa Moseley following her resignation, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program and acknowledged the challenges she faced. “It has been an honor to be the head coach at Wisconsin, and I want to thank the players, staff, and fans for their support during my time here. While this decision was not easy, I believe it is the right step for the program moving forward,” Moseley said in her statement.

Moseley also acknowledged that while the program had made progress in some areas, there was still much work to be done. “I have full confidence in the talent and potential of this team, but it is clear that the direction needed to achieve sustained success requires a new voice and leadership.”

The resignation was announced by Chris McIntosh, Wisconsin’s athletic director, who expressed his appreciation for Moseley’s efforts and leadership. “Marisa worked tirelessly to develop our women’s basketball program and instill a culture of growth and development. While the results on the court did not meet our expectations, we appreciate her dedication to our student-athletes and the Wisconsin community. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors,” McIntosh said.

What’s Next for Wisconsin Women’s Basketball?

With Moseley’s resignation now official, the Wisconsin women’s basketball program faces a crucial crossroads. The Badgers must now move forward with finding a new leader who can take the team to the next level. The search for a replacement is already underway, and Wisconsin will likely look for a coach with experience in building successful programs, particularly someone who can recruit and develop top-tier talent in the Big Ten.

In the short term, the Badgers will need to regroup and assess their current roster. Despite the struggles of the past few years, Wisconsin still has a talented group of players, and there is potential for the program to rebound under the right leadership. Whoever takes over the reins will need to focus on instilling a sense of consistency, discipline, and accountability, areas that Moseley’s teams struggled with during her tenure.

One of the key challenges for the new head coach will be building the team’s confidence. After several years of underperformance, the Badgers will need a leader who can inspire them to achieve their best and maximize their individual and collective potential. The new coach will also need to improve the team’s performance in high-pressure situations, something that was notably lacking under Moseley.

The Broader Impact on the Big Ten Landscape

Moseley’s resignation is not only significant for Wisconsin but also for the broader Big Ten women’s basketball landscape. The conference has become one of the most competitive in the nation, and Wisconsin’s inability to compete at the highest levels of the Big Ten has created a power vacuum that could be filled by other programs looking to rise in the ranks.

With a new head coach, Wisconsin could potentially reclaim its place as a contender in the Big Ten. The Badgers have a passionate fan base and a storied history in women’s basketball, and with the right leadership, they could once again become a dominant force in the conference.