Ariel Massengale Joins Wisconsin Women’s Basketball Staff as Assistant Coach
Madison, WI — May 5, 2025 — The University of Wisconsin has bolstered its women’s basketball program with a high-impact hire, announcing today that former Tennessee standout Ariel Massengale will join head coach Marisa Moseley’s staff as an assistant coach. Massengale’s arrival in Madison brings elite playing experience, proven recruiting acumen, and a championship pedigree to the Badgers, signaling Wisconsin’s continued ascent in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
From Lady Vol to Coaching Rising Star
Massengale, 31, earned her reputation as one of the most cerebral point guards in women’s college basketball during her four-year career at the University of Tennessee (2011–2015) under Hall-of-Fame coach Pat Summitt. A McDonald’s All-American in high school, she guided the Lady Vols to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, finishing her collegiate career with over 1,200 points and 550 assists. She also played a key role in Team USA’s U19 FIBA World Championship gold-medal runs in 2010 and 2011.
After a brief stint in the WNBA and overseas professional leagues, Massengale transitioned into coaching in 2018. She cut her teeth as a graduate assistant at Ole Miss, focusing on guard development and skill training. Her ability to connect with players and break down complex concepts quickly earned her full-time roles first at Lipscomb University (2019–2022) and most recently at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where she helped lead the Cougars to their first Missouri Valley Conference postseason berth in over a decade.
A Perfect Fit for Badger Nation
In announcing the hire, head coach Marisa Moseley praised Massengale’s blend of on-court IQ and off-court leadership.
“Ariel has lived the game at the highest levels, and she brings an infectious energy that our players will thrive under,” Moseley said. “Her track record developing guards and her proven ability to recruit top talent make her an ideal fit for our program’s vision.”
Massengale’s recruiting ties span the Midwest and the Southeast—two key regions for Wisconsin’s future classes. During her time at SIUE, she was instrumental in landing back-to-back top-50 recruiting classes nationally, including the Metro East Conference freshman of the year in 2023.
Player and Staff Reactions
Wisconsin’s roster has embraced the addition enthusiastically. Returning senior guard Taylor Wilkes remarked, “Coach Ariel understands our position group like few others. She’s been where we’re going, and her insight will help take our game to another level.”
Associate head coach and defensive specialist Derrick Taylor added, “Her experience under Coach Summitt and her success in player development are exactly what we need. She’s a winner through and through.”
A New Chapter Begins
Massengale officially joins the Badgers on July 1 and will immediately begin assisting with summer workouts, scout teams, and fall recruiting evaluations. Her responsibilities will include:
- Guard Development: Enhancing ball-handling, decision-making, and leadership traits among Wisconsin’s backcourt.
- Game Planning: Assisting in offensive and defensive strategies, especially in transition and half-court sets.
- Recruiting: Leveraging her national relationships to attract high-caliber talent to Madison.
Athletic Director Chris McIntosh expressed his enthusiasm for the hire:
“Ariel Massengale represents the very best of what Wisconsin athletics strives for—academic excellence, competitive fire, and long-term vision. Her arrival underscores our commitment to building a program that competes at the highest level.”
Looking to the Future
As the Badgers prepare for the 2025–26 season, Massengale’s addition is expected to accelerate Wisconsin’s momentum. With a core of returning starters and a strong incoming recruiting class, the Badgers are poised to challenge for a top-half finish in the Big Ten and make a deeper NCAA Tournament run.
For Massengale, the move represents both a homecoming to the Big Ten and a chance to shape her own coaching legacy.
“I’m honored to join Coach Moseley and the entire Wisconsin family,” Massengale said. “This is a program on the rise, and I can’t wait to help bring a championship culture back to The Kohl Center.”
As Badger Nation looks ahead, the fusion of Massengale’s elite pedigree and Wisconsin’s talented roster paints a bright picture for the program’s future. The transition from player to coach has never looked more promising—for Massengale, the players she mentors, or the fans filling the stands on game night.