By Candace N. Redd & Michael S. Carroll
On August 15, 2025, five former University of Wisconsin women’s basketball players filed a federal lawsuit claiming they experienced psychological abuse and discrimination by former head coach Marisa Moseley. The suit also alleges the university failed to respond appropriately and includes claims of retaliation, emotional harm, and disability discrimination.
Background
The lawsuit was filed by former Wisconsin Badgers players Lexi Duckett, Krystyna Ellew, Mary Ferrito, Tara Stauffacher, and Tessa Towers against former head coach Marisa Moseley, former Associate Athletic Director Justin Doherty, and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. The players claim Moseley fostered a toxic environment, including bullying tied to mental health, excessive control over their personal lives, and threats involving scholarships and playing time. The suit also argues that the university failed to address or act on their concerns regarding the abuse. In December of 2025, the defendants’ attorneys sought to have the case dismissed, which sparked criticism for seeming to condone Moseley’s behavior. Moseley had previously stepped down in March of 2025 after four seasons, citing personal reasons.
Claims
Plaintiffs Alexis Duckett, Krystyna Ellew, Mary Ferrito, Tara Stauffacher, and Tessa Towers claim that during their time in the program, Moseley engaged in coercive and controlling behavior that severely impacted their mental health. According to the complaint, the coach allegedly used intimidation tactics, threatened playing time and scholarships, and interfered with players’ mental health treatment to maintain control over the team. The lawsuit further alleges that Moseley’s conduct included pressuring athletes regarding their personal mental health disclosures and retaliating against players who spoke out or sought help. One central claim is that the coach “unconstitutionally toyed with the mental health” of athletes as a means of control and discrimination based on perceived disabilities and protected expression.
The players argue that university officials were made aware of the alleged behavior but failed to take meaningful action, creating what the complaint describes as a “policy of laissez-faire inaction.” Within Moseley’s first three years as coach at UW-Madison, at least 11 players either left the program prematurely or transferred to another school, many of whom cited alleged mistreatment by Coach Moseley as contributing to their decision to leave. University personnel were aware of these departures yet took no action with respect to Moseley. Plaintiffs contend that this lack of response allowed the abusive environment to continue unchecked.
A History of Alleged Abuse by Coaches
The complaint alleges that the University has a history of ignoring reports of psychological abuses by coaches, including a former women’s cross-country coach, who in 2022 resigned for “personal reasons,” yet was accused by former players of psychological abuse. Former players alleged this coach verbally abused them and degraded them, pushed them to run through injuries causing subsequent injury, and did not allow proper rest in order to heal. They further contend that, when made aware of the situation, the University simply responded that they were “gathering information” and “inquiring further into the matters.” In April of 2022, a runner who ran under that coach committed suicide, and her parents contend that one of the causes of their daughter’s death was the emotional abuse levied by this coach. Interestingly enough, an investigation of Mosely’s own alma mater, Boston University, at which she both played and coached, alleged that a former coach engaged in almost identical abusive behaviors to those of Moseley for years. Moseley herself is open about her own long history with mental health issues and purports to be an advocate for mental health treatment and awareness, but the complaint alleges that her actions prove otherwise.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Response
Defense attorneys claim that even if the allegations are true, they do not rise to the level of federal violations, characterizing Moseley’s actions as typical coaching behavior rather than unlawful conduct. They also argue that some claims fall outside the statute of limitations and that certain defendants were not directly involved. Then-Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh stated that the University was actively defending against the allegations and that many of them “lack context or are simply false.” McIntosh has since left the University to take a role within the Big Ten Conference.
The case currently remains unresolved as the court has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss.
References
Dochterman, S. (2025, August 17). Former Wisconsin women’s basketball players file lawsuit against former coach, alleging psychological abuse.
Ducket v. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin, Case: 3:25-cv-00684 (W.D. Wis. 2025).
https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uw-basketball-coach-abuse-lawsuit.pdf
Ex-Wisconsin players sue Marisa Moseley, fault school’s response – ESPN. (2025, August 15). ESPN.com. https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/45991434/ex-wisconsin-players-sue-marisa-moseley-fault-school-response
Lee, A. (2025, December 10). Attorneys seek to dismiss lawsuit against former UW women’s basketball coach. https://www.athleticbusiness.com/operations/legal/article/15773803/attorneys-seek-to- dismiss-lawsuit-against-former-uw-womens-basketball-coach
Candace N. Redd is a doctoral student at Troy University studying Sport Management. She specializes in research related to disability sport and she is currently employed with Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation serving as a Sports Specialist. She is also a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. She lives in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Michael S. Carroll serves as a Professor of Sport Management at Troy University, where he specializes in sport law and risk management within the sport and recreation industries. A prolific scholar, he has authored over 40 articles and delivered more than 50 presentations at professional conferences. Dr. Carroll also plays a vital role in mentorship, working closely with candidates in Troy’s doctoral program. He lives in Orlando, FL.
