Marquette University women’s basketball head coach Megan Duffy is pleased to announce the first additions to her coaching staff. Vernette Skeete, Scott Merritt and Justine Raterman will serve as assistant coaches for the Golden Eagles.
Duffy has retained Skeete and Merritt as assistants from Marquette’s previous coaching staff, while Raterman arrives after spending two years on Duffy’s staff at Miami (Ohio), including as assistant coach for the 2018-19 campaign.
“I cannot be more thrilled to jump on board with Vernette Skeete, Scott Merritt and Justine Raterman,” Duffy said. “They will be instrumental in future successes here at Marquette on all three levels with player development, recruiting and preparing to win championships in the BIG EAST.”
Skeete and Merritt will enter their sixth seasons at Marquette for the 2019-20 season after spending five years as assistant coaches on Carolyn Kieger’s staff. Prior to Marquette, Skeete was the head coach at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, while Merritt was a boys’ varsity assistant at Menomonee Falls High School. Merritt graduated from Marquette in 2004 and was a starter on the Golden Eagles’ 2003 Final Four squad.
“What an exciting time for Marquette basketball to keep Vernette and Scott here in Milwaukee,” Duffy commented. “I was quickly drawn to them from day one and appreciate the impact they have already made on our program. Their commitment to help make Marquette and these student-athletes elite has been impressive. Both coaches are proven winners at every level and will continue to bring a championship mentality daily.”
Raterman was the Director of Video Operations for Miami for two years before Duffy promoted her to assistant coach last season. A former standout player at Dayton, Raterman graduated in 2012 after leading Dayton to three NCAA Tournament berths and one WNIT appearance. She is the Flyers’ second all-time leading scorer and all time-time leading rebounder of the modern era with 1,832 points and 915 rebounds. While at Dayton, Raterman was a four-time All-Atlantic 10 selection, the 2009 Rookie of the Year and the 2012 A-10 Tournament Most Outstanding Performer. She was named a Senior CLASS First-Team All-American in 2012 for her excellence on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
“Justine Raterman has been a proven winner her entire career both as a standout player at the University of Dayton and a talented assistant on the rise in the coaching profession,” Duffy said. “Her work ethic, intelligence and ability to relate to our players will continue to shine in her new journey here at Marquette.”
The remainder of Duffy’s staff will be announced in the coming weeks.
