Maureen Magarity Named Vermont Basketball Head Coach
Magarity took over the Catamounts program in April 2026 after serving in an athletics development role.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball
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In April 2026, Maureen Magarity was hired as the new head coach for the University of Vermont women's basketball team. She replaced former head coach Alisa Kresge, who left the position to join Richmond.
Why it matters
The change follows a highly successful campaign for Vermont, which finished with a 27-8 record and appeared in three of the last four NCAA Tournaments. Magarity brings extensive head coaching experience from previous tenures at Holy Cross and New Hampshire.
The team enters the season off a 27-8 campaign, returning contributors including Malia Lenz, who averaged 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Emma Haan also returns after recording 5.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season.
The players
Maureen Magarity
She is the current head coach of the University of Vermont women's basketball team who previously coached at New Hampshire for 10 years.
Alisa Kresge
She is the former head coach of the Vermont Catamounts who departed the program for a position at Richmond.
Jeff Schulman
He serves as the Director of Athletics at the University of Vermont and oversaw the hiring of the new head coach.
The details
Magarity was selected by Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman to lead the team following Alisa Kresge's departure. She previously served on the Vermont athletics development staff starting in 2024 after leading New Hampshire for 10 seasons.
Timeline
Magarity joined the Vermont athletics development staff in 2024.
Maureen Magarity was hired as Vermont head coach in April 2026.
Vermont hosts Oregon on November 11, 2026.
Vermont begins America East conference play on December 31, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The program must adjust to new leadership while attempting to replicate its recent success in reaching three of the last four NCAA Tournaments. Maintaining this momentum is critical for the team's standing within the America East conference heading into the 2026-2027 season.
The transition puts pressure on returners like Malia Lenz and Emma Haan to anchor the rotation under the new offensive system. With 16 conference games ahead, the team's ability to integrate Magarity's coaching style will determine their seed in the upcoming America East tournament.
The takeaway
The team enters a new era under experienced leadership after a highly successful period of growth. Fans should watch how the team utilizes its experienced returning players as they navigate the conference schedule.
What happens next
Vermont is scheduled to host Oregon for a home game on November 11, 2026, followed by the start of America East conference play on December 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local college programs, visit the Basketball page.
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