Central Connecticut State University women’s basketball head coach Kristin Caruso has announced the addition of Marigona Bacaliu and Alexis Castro as assistant coaches. Bacaliu and Castro bring a wealth of coaching and playing experience to the Blue Devils’ staff.
Bacaliu comes to Central having served as Putnam Science Academy head coach. In her first season in charge, she led the team to an appearance in the National Prep Championship Final Four. Bacaliu oversaw team operations, travel logistics, accommodations, and transportation, while implementing on-court workouts, practice plans, film/scout sessions, and individualized player development plans.
Bacaliu’s team-first mindset and strong work ethic has helped develop domestic and international talent to build competitive rosters for Putnam Science Academy. She has also served as head coach for the IBelieve Elite’s U15 basketball team, as well as, an assistant for U16 and U17 programs.
Prior to playing at New Haven, Bacaliu was also a member of the women’s basketball team at Concordia College.
As a Blue Devils assistant coach, she will be involved in all aspects of the program including scouting, court coaching, guard player development, travel and recruiting.
“I am thrilled to have Mari on staff as she brings a strong recruiting mindset and work ethic,” Caruso said. “She was a former guard who played at the University of New Haven and was a head coach at Putnam Science Academy.”
Castro, most recently served as a graduate assistant for women’s basketball at Springfield College from 2023 to 2025 where she joined the coaching staff following graduation. In her role she helped develop the post players and forwards, while overseeing all aspects of defensive rotation. She coordinated travel, recruiting trips, and directed team service initiatives and external relations through Springfield’s Team IMPACT partnership.
A 2008 graduate of American International College, Castro was a member of the women’s basketball team for two seasons. Prior to her career at AIC, she was a member of the women’s basketball team at the University of Vermont from 2004-2006.
Following graduation, Castro spent a decade playing professionally overseas. She played for several teams internationally in Finland, Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco, and Mexico. She was also a member of the Mexico Women’s National Team from 2010-2018.
Her coaching experience began in 2010, as an assistant coach for the girls’ varsity basketball team at Coronado High School where she spent five seasons. In 2012, she coached the U15 girls Mexico National Team. In 2015, Castro became an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Southwestern College.
Castro has also served as the head coach for the men’s international U17M Mandelieu La Napoule and was assistant coach for the boys’ varsity team at Coronado High School.
Castro will be involved in all aspects of the program including scouting, on court coaching, post player development and recruiting for the Blue Devils.
“Alexis was a great post player in college who also played professionally overseas for the past 13 years against players like Breana Stewart,” Caruso said. “I am excited for the opportunity our post players will have to develop under her tutelage, as well as, her dynamic energy she brings to the team and the court every day.”
https://ccsubluedevils.com/sports/wbkb/2026-27/releases/20260825jxw7c0
Tagged with: NEC
