Marian E. Washington

Class of 2004

Posted a 560-363 ledger in 31 seasons as the women’s basketball coach at the University of Kansas
Guided Kansas to 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Sweet 16 twice, as well as two WNIT showings and three AIAW Sectional finishes while reaching the 20-win plateau 17 times and claiming seven league titles and six conference tournament championships
Served as an assistant coach for the USA’s gold medal-winning Olympic team in 1996, becoming the first African-American to coach on a U.S. Olympic women’s basketball staff
Became the first African-American woman to coach a U.S. team in international competition when she guided the U.S. Select Team to a 7-1 record and a silver medal at the R. William Jones Cup in Taiwan in 1982
Named conference coach of the year three times, receiving Big Eight Coach of the Year recognition in 1992 and 1996 and Big 12 Coach of the Year honors in 1997
Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Black Coaches Association in 2003 as well as being tabbed as Coach of the Year by the BCA in both 1992 and 1996
Was the first female to serve as president of the Black Coaches Association as well as the first individual to serve consecutive terms as president of the organization
Played collegiately at West Chester State University, helping lead her team to the first-ever national title for women’s college basketball
Was also a two-time AAU All-American
Was the first of two African-American women to compete internationally, representing the United States at the 1971 World Championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Served as the first and only Athletics Director for Women’s Athletics at the University of Kansas (1974-79)