Wisconsin has found their next women's basketball coach. With the expected hire of Missouri's Robin Pingeton, the Badgers are taking their first step to rebuilding the program. It was an odd coaching search, with even a few high-profile candidates publicly stating they had no interest in the Wisconsin job. Now Pingeton will have the difficult task of bringing Badger basketball back up. Many fans, however, are not thrilled with hire.
Pingeton had limited success over her past several years at Mizzou, posting only a 25-37 record over the last two seasons, including just 5-27 in conference play. Her last NCAA Tournament appearance was seven years ago, and fans are really unhappy with her resume overall.
Fan reactions to controversial women's basketball hire of Robin Pingeton
Pingeton was 250-218 at Missouri with 4 NCAA appearances (last in ‘19). 25-37 the last two years, including 3-13 in conference last season. Only finished in the top half of conference 3 times.
— EricTheRed (@RealEricTheRed) March 25, 2025
I hope this is true, because if you want Mac fired quicker, this is a PERFECT hire. 😀 https://t.co/iO1HOLFIDQ
Great hire Wisconsin 😂. A coach who hasn’t made the NCAA tournament since 2018-19.
— Eric Fischer (@BigEOnAirWI) March 25, 2025
Very uninspiring and why this program remains mediocre at best year after year https://t.co/6XfLQafU7J
The Jets hiring Adam Gase after he failed with Dolphins.
— Jesse Y. (@JJ1986WI) March 25, 2025
Should have thrown the bag at Kayla Karius (UWGB) or we took @TamaraCoach up on her offer to come home.
Hope it works out, but not what fans wanted.
It seems the general thought surrounding the Pingeton hire is unfavorable. Her track record hasn't exactly shown she can win consistently, and the Badgers' current situation is not one that will be easy to navigate. It's already been reported that she'll have limited funds and NIL to rebuild this Badger team.
She'll need to take every opportunity she can to win over the Badger contingent, because as of right now, a lot of fans were probably hoping the university would go another direction. Of course, it would be wise to give her the benefit of the doubt, but there's no question she already faces an uphill battle.
It seems as if Wisconsin doesn't want to give a full commitment to the women's basketball program and it will be tough sledding for Pingeton to find the resources to not only hire staff but also to bring in big-time players.