Basketball
Wisconsin Women's Basketball Under New Leadership: Rebuilding and Transition
2025-04-14

Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Robin Pingeton, Wisconsin's women's basketball team is undergoing significant changes. Taking over a roster with notable vacancies, Pingeton faces the challenge of assembling a competitive 15-player lineup for the upcoming 2025-26 season. With only six players initially on the roster and two additional signings from December, there remains a need to fill seven more spots. This transition involves several players departing via the transfer portal while others have joined the team, contributing to an evolving dynamic within the program.

As Robin Pingeton steps into her new role at Wisconsin following a successful tenure at Missouri, she inherits a team in flux. The Badgers experienced multiple departures, including standout player Serah Williams, who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors twice and was part of the conference’s all-defensive team for two seasons. Another key departure includes Carter McCray, whose impressive scoring and rebounding averages led her to commit to West Virginia. Additionally, Ronnie Porter, known for her strong assist-to-turnover ratio, opted to leave the team.

Beyond these losses, the team welcomed transfers like Laci Steele, a guard from North Carolina State, bringing potential and experience to bolster the squad. Steele, despite limited playing time previously, retains two years of eligibility and aims to contribute significantly to the Badgers’ future success. Other notable additions include players filling various roles necessary for rebuilding depth and versatility.

The rebuilding process also entails acknowledging contributions from graduating seniors such as Halle Douglass, Natalie Leuzinger, and Tess Myers, each leaving their mark through consistent performances over their collegiate careers. Their graduations further emphasize the necessity for fresh talent infusion under Coach Pingeton’s leadership.

Looking ahead, the Wisconsin women's basketball team under Robin Pingeton envisions a revitalized identity marked by strategic recruitment and development. As the roster continues to evolve, expectations remain high for establishing a competitive presence both within the Big Ten Conference and beyond. Through thoughtful planning and execution, Coach Pingeton seeks to awaken what she perceives as a "sleeping giant," setting the stage for promising outcomes in the coming seasons.

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