MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin women's basketball head coach Robin Pingeton announced the hiring of Ariel Massengale as an assistant coach on Friday. A former Tennessee standout and rising coaching talent, Massengale brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the Badgers' bench.
"We're excited to welcome Ariel Massengale to Wisconsin," said Head Coach Robin Pingeton. "She's a rising star who brings great experience as both a player and coach. Ariel played under Pat Summitt and knows what it takes to win at the highest level. Her ability to develop players, recruit talent, and lead with energy will be a big addition to our program. With strong ties to the Midwest, she understands the region and will connect well with our student-athletes and community.
Massengale joins Wisconsin following a successful tenure at SIUE, where she served as an assistant coach beginning in July 2021. During her time with the Cougars, she helped lead multiple players to All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team honors. Her impact was nationally recognized in March 2023 when she was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's prestigious Thirty Under 30 list.
Prior to her time at SIUE, Massengale spent two seasons on staff at Lipscomb University. In the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, the Bisons posted a 12-10 record and reached the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament semifinals. She began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ole Miss, where she assisted with scouting and recruiting efforts for two seasons.
A native of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Massengale was one of the most decorated high school players in the country. She was a McDonald's All-American, a WBCA All-American, Illinois Miss Basketball, and the Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year while leading Bolingbrook High School to three IHSA state titles.
As a collegiate athlete, Massengale was a four-year starter at the University of Tennessee, guiding the Lady Vols to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances under legendary coach Pat Summitt. She earned four gold medals representing USA Basketball at the U16 FIBA Americas, U17 World Cup, U19 World Championships, and World University Games. She was selected 29th overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream and also played professionally in Finland.
Massengale holds a bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Tennessee and a master's in Sport and Recreation Administration from Mississippi.
