Central Connecticut State Women’s Basketball Bolsters Coaching Staff
Central Connecticut State University announced this week that Marigona Bacaliu and Alexis Castro have been appointed as assistant coaches on the women’s basketball staff, a move that head coach Kristin Caruso says will sharpen the program’s recruiting pipeline and on‑court development.
Bacaliu arrives after a stint as head coach at Putnam Science Academy, where she guided the team to a National Prep Championship Final Four in her debut season and oversaw all aspects of team operations, from travel logistics to practice design. A former guard at Concordia College, she also coached youth elite teams with IBelieve Elite and brings a strong recruiting mindset to the Blue Devils.
Castro, who most recently served as a graduate assistant at Springfield College, combines a decade of professional playing experience abroad in Finland, Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco and Mexico with international caps for the Mexico Women’s National Team. Her background includes coaching the U15 national squad and leading post‑player development at both the collegiate and high‑school levels.
In comments to the press, Caruso highlighted Bacaliu’s work ethic and recruiting acumen, noting that her experience as a head coach and former collegiate guard will help attract top talent. She also praised Castro’s dynamic energy and proven ability to develop big‑man talent, citing her history of competing against standout players such as Breana Stewart.
The additions are expected to reinforce the Blue Devils’ competitiveness in the Northeast Conference, as the new staff blends fresh recruiting insight with seasoned post‑player expertise heading into the upcoming season.