UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Athletics and women's basketball head coach Coquese Washington have agreed to a change in leadership for the Women's Basketball program.
"I am very appreciative of Coquese's contributions to the Lady Lion basketball program and Penn State," said Sandy Barbour, Penn State Vice President of Athletics. "She is committed to developing young women, has been impactful in our community and we are grateful for her dedication. We thank her for 12 years of service to Penn State, and wish Coquese and her family all the best in their future endeavors. We both agree that the program is not where it needs to be, and this change of leadership is best at this time."
"I've had an amazing run at Penn State," Washington said. "I'm grateful that I've had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people, especially the talented and dedicated staff members who were with me along this journey. I was fortunate to coach some extremely talented players along the way and will remember the fantastic experiences we enjoyed together. I am thankful for the Penn State and Lady Lion fans who supported us strongly year-in and year-out. I will always look back at my time at Penn State with fond memories while taking on this next chapter with my family."
Washington recently completed her 12th year at the helm of the Lady Lions with a 209-169 overall record, including a 98-106 mark in Big Ten play. She guided Penn State to three consecutive Big Ten Championships from 2011-12 to 2013-14, with seven post-season tournament appearances (4 NCAA, 3 WNIT). The Lady Lions advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2012 and '14. A former president of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), Washington was a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year.
During her Penn State tenure, Washington coached 12 first-team All-Big Ten and 15 All-America selections and the Lady Lions earned 50 Academic All-Big Ten honors.
Barbour said a national search will immediately begin for Washington's successor. Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics will utilize Ventura Partners to assist in the search process.
For more on Penn State women's basketball, go to www.GoPSUsports.com or follow the team on Twitter @PennStateWBB.
