Head coach Marisa Moseley has completed her Wisconsin women’s basketball coach staff with the hiring of three assistants. Scott Merritt will join the Badgers as the associate head coach while Kate Barnosky and Caroline Doty have been named assistant coaches, Moseley announced on Friday.
“In putting together my staff, I was committed to selecting individuals who are winners at their cores,” explained Moseley. “Each of these coaches are incredible people first and skilled professionals second. Caroline, Kate, and Scott are the epitome of what Wisconsin Athletics is about – loyal, driven, and dedicated people who are committed and focused on taking Badger women’s basketball to the top! This is the start of a new era of excellence in Madison and I can’t wait for this team and our greater community to embrace these incredibly dynamic coaches.”
Merritt joins Badgers from Illinois
Merritt comes to Wisconsin after spending the last season as an assistant coach at Illinois. Prior to joining the Fighting Illini, Merritt spent six years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Marquette University.
“I’m excited to get back to the state of Wisconsin, a state that’s rich with talent,” said Merritt. “I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to work alongside a coach like Marisa. She’s a high-character leader with an unmatched ability to connect with people. She fosters an environment where everyone in her program will grow and get better! I can’t wait to get to work.”
During his time at Marquette, the Golden Eagles experienced an era of unprecedented success, reaching as high as No. 8 in the AP Poll in 2019 – the highest ranking in program history. He helped lead the team to three Big East Championships, including the 2017 tournament title, and 2018 and 2019 regular-season championships. Marquette advanced to three straight NCAA Tournaments during his time.”
“Scott is a home run hire! As a native of Wisconsin and star at Marquette, his roots in the state are deep, and his relationships and reputation with coaches and players is unmatched,” said Moseley. “Scott has a proven track record of success as a collegiate player, professional player, and as an assistant coach at Marquette. I am confident his presence both on the court and on the recruiting trail will make an immediate impact.”
Merritt coached two consecutive Big East Players of the Year in Allazia Blockton (2018) and Natisha Hiedeman (2019), and as the primary coach for MU’s post players helped Erika Davenport become just the fourth player in Marquette history to reach 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.
A four-year letterwinner, Merritt graduated from Marquette in 2004, finishing as the Golden Eagles’ all-time leader in games played (126) and ranking 30th on MU’s career scoring list with 1,049 points, 14th with 697 rebounds, and fifth with 113 blocks. He also played nine years professionally overseas.
Barnosky continues work with Moseley
Barnosky has served as an assistant coach under Moseley at Boston University the last three seasons, aiding the Terriers to their first Patriot League Tournament championship game appearance in 2020-21. Working primarily with the post players, Barnosky aided Maren Durant to All-Patriot League Third Team honors after leading the league in shooting percentage (.667) and ranking sixth in rebounding (7.7). Durant was also named to the 2019-20 Patriot League All-Defensive Team and All-Rookie team. In 2018-19, Barnosky assisted Nia Irving to All-Patriot League Third Team honors while Riley Childs earned a spot on the All-Rookie team.
“I’m so excited to join the Wisconsin staff and am grateful to continue to work with and learn from Coach Moseley as we take on this new challenge together in Madison,” Barnosky said. “Coach is a winner who is committed to developing her players both on and off the court, and I am excited to support her in this approach. I can’t wait to meet the team, get to know the Badger community and get to work in the beautiful Kohl Center!”
Prior to BU, Barnosky spent five years as an assistant coach at her alma mater Tufts, aiding the Jumbos to four consecutive trips to the NCAA DIII Final Four and two New England Small College Athletic Conference championships. During her tenure, Tufts posted a 144-18 record, marking three-straight undefeated conference seasons. She coached three All-American players in Hayley Kanner, Michela North and Melissa Baptista.
“Kate is a rising star,” said Moseley. “After a stellar career as a player and coach at Tufts University, I was fortunate to recruit her to join me at BU. I am so grateful for her commitment, drive, and selfless nature. She is a tireless worker and will do whatever the team or our program needs to be successful. The relationships that she has forged with players, parents, and the greater campus community is immeasurable. I have no doubt Kate will make an instant connection with our players and colleagues alike.”
Barnosky was a three-year team captain at Tufts and two-time ALL-NESCAC selection, helping the Jumbos advance to four NCAA Tournament appearances. The Huntington Station, New York native graduated from Tufts in 2012 with a degree in child development before obtaining her master’s degree in applied child development in 2014.
Former UConn standout kicks off coaching career
Doty was a member of three NCAA Championship teams at Connecticut and also played in two Final Fours with the Huskies. She averaged 5.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in five years, missing the 2010-11 season due to a knee injury. UConn was 182-11 in her five years.”I am absolutely thrilled to begin this journey with Wisconsin Women’s Basketball alongside Marisa and the rest of the coaching staff,” Doty said. “To represent Wisconsin is to represent academic excellence and athletic success, and that is a legacy I am excited to become a part of. We are ready to get to work and bring success we believe the team is capable of to life!”
Doty graduated from UConn in 2012 with a degree in sports management. She has spent the last three years working as an account manager for Nike working with the WNBA and G League. Doty also worked as an account manager with College Sports Marketing and Women’s College Basketball Sports Marketing in Beaverton, Oregon. A native of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Doty has coached at Beaverton High School and Lake Ridge Middle School in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
“Caroline is the perfect piece to my complete my staff puzzle,” said Moseley. “Her experience as a three-time national champion at UCONN and work in the corporate world have prepared her for this next step in her journey. It’s not very often that you find a person who has to ability to adapt and evolve like Caroline has done throughout her entire career. Despite injuries or setbacks, she has always been the consummate teammate and wanted the best for those around her. I have no doubt our players and recruits are going to flock to Caroline. Her energy and passion for the game and helping others attain their goals is unparalleled.”
