UVM Women's Basketball Coach Alisa Kresge Departs for Richmond

Kresge leaves Vermont as the winningest coach in program history after 8 seasons.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a women's basketball game, with the colors of the University of Vermont and University of Richmond teams prominently featured.The departure of decorated UVM women's basketball coach Alisa Kresge for Richmond represents a major shift in the program's leadership and future direction.Richmond Today

Alisa Kresge, the most decorated head coach in the history of the University of Vermont women's basketball program, announced she is leaving to become the next head coach at the University of Richmond. Kresge departs UVM after 8 seasons, during which she led the Catamounts to 3 NCAA Tournament appearances and 4 Women's National Invitational Tournament berths.

Why it matters

Kresge's departure is a significant loss for the UVM women's basketball program, which had seen a resurgence under her leadership. Her move to Richmond also marks the second high-profile coaching exit from the university in the last 4 months, following the departure of the UVM men's soccer head coach.

The details

In her 8 seasons at Vermont, Kresge compiled a record of 145-89, making her the winningest coach in program history. She led the Catamounts to 3 NCAA Tournament appearances over the last 4 seasons and 4 appearances in the Women's National Invitational Tournament. Kresge was also named the America East Coach of the Year in 2023 and 2026.

  • Kresge announced her departure on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Kresge leaves UVM after 8 seasons as the head coach.
  • Former UVM men's soccer head coach Rob Dow left the university in December 2025 to join Penn State.

The players

Alisa Kresge

The winningest head coach in the history of the University of Vermont women's basketball program, leading the Catamounts to 3 NCAA Tournament appearances and 4 Women's National Invitational Tournament berths over the last 8 seasons.

Jeff Schulman

The athletic director at the University of Vermont, who praised Kresge's leadership and the program's success under her tenure.

Rob Dow

The former head coach of the University of Vermont men's soccer program, who left the university in December 2025 to join Penn State.

University of Richmond

The new destination for Alisa Kresge, as she will become the next head coach of the Richmond Spiders women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of the athletic department and the entire UVM community, I would like to thank Alisa for her exceptional leadership of our women's basketball program and for everything she has contributed to Catamount Country over the last eight years.”

— Jeff Schulman, UVM Athletic Director

“Under her leadership, the program has re-emerged into a mid- and large-scale enterprise whose foundation of excellence is based on outstanding student-athletes whose character, leadership and talent embody the best of collegiate athletics on and off the field.”

— Jeff Schulman, UVM Athletic Director

“It has been an absolute pleasure for our players to coach you. You are our why. Thank you for being a role model and a constant source of pride for so many. To your loved ones – thank you for trusting us to be part of your daughters' journey. We have treasured every moment.”

— Alisa Kresge

What’s next

The search for the next head coach of the UVM women's basketball team is currently underway.

The takeaway

Alisa Kresge's departure from UVM represents a significant loss for the Catamounts' women's basketball program, which had seen tremendous success under her leadership. Her move to Richmond also highlights the ongoing challenge of retaining top coaching talent in the competitive world of college sports.