12 Seasons at Penn State
Overall Record: 209-169
7 National Postseason Tournament Appearances in 12 seasons as head coach (4 NCAA, 3 WNIT)
B.A. in History - Notre Dame ’92 | Juris Doctorate - Notre Dame Law School ‘97
Honors and Awards
2012, 2013, 2014 Big Ten Coach of the Year
2012, 2013 WBCA Region 6 Coach of the Year
2012, 2013 WBCA National Coach of the Year Finalist
2011, 2013 BCA Female Coach of the Year
2009 Greater Flint Hall of Fame Inductee
2008 WBCA “Rising Star” Award Winner
Upon arriving on the University Park campus as the fifth head coach in Penn State women’s history - and first female African-American head coach in Penn State history - Coquese Washington quickly returned the program to national prominence with her up-tempo, aggressive style of play. Entering her 12th season on the sideline in Happy Valley in 2018-19, her passion for creating a winning culture, predicated on innovative coaching techniques, tireless recruiting, cultivating meaningful relationships with student-athletes and an unmatched enthusiasm for teaching the game she loves, Washington is in the conversation as one of the nation’s top head coaches.
Washington has seen success at every level of basketball and in every role she has filled on the sidelines. She became the first player at Flint Central High School to earn a starting position all four seasons and helped her squad to the program’s first Saginaw Valley League and district championships, while earning all-state honors on two occasions.
She went on to earn four varsity letters at the University of Notre Dame, leading the team in steals four times and assists on three occasions, before moving on to professional basketball where she was a member of the 2000 WNBA Champion Houston Comets squad.
On the sidelines, she has appeared in the postseason 15 times, with 12 of those being NCAA Tournament appearances. She helped the Lady Lions to four-straight berths in the NCAA Tournament - including a pair of Sweet Sixteen appearances - and was an assistant coach on Notre Dame’s 2001 NCAA National Championship team. Her three-straight Big Ten Championships make her one of just four coaches in Big Ten history with three-or-more consecutive Big Ten regular-season championships (Jim Foster, Ohio State; C. Vivian Stringer, Iowa & Tara VanDerveer, Ohio State), taking home outright crowns in 2012 and 2013, while sharing the 2014 title.
Growing the Game
The professionals who are most successful often share one trait; they are thinkers, and Washington is no different. As a student-athlete at Notre Dame, Washington earned her degree in just three years. After her collegiate career was complete, Washington went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from her alma mater, while simultaneously playing in the professional ranks for the American Basketball League’s (ABL) Portland Power. Her passion for learning is matched only by her love of family and basketball.
Washington has served on the WBCA Board of Directors since becoming Penn State’s head coach, currently holding the role of President with the organization that is tasked with solving issues, preserving the history and growing the game of women's basketball. She was also the Vice President/President-Elect from 2013-15.
Her service to the game also includes time with USA Basketball, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the NCAA Women's Basketball Issues Committee. She won a gold medal with Team USA in Kazan, Russia at the 2013 World University Games and served on the USA Basketball Women's Junior National Committee from 2009-12. Her work with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors ran from 2012-15 and she served five years on the NCAA Women’s Basketball Issues Committee.
Of her many accomplishments, Washington was the founding President of the WNBA Players Association in 1999 and was a primary force in negotiating the association’s first two collective bargaining agreements.
Recruiting Premier Talent
The recruiting trail has always been a place of success for Washington, with the Lady Lions signing four top-25 recruiting classes - including three top-15 classes - since her arrival In Happy Valley. Her top-25 recruiting classes have included a pair of 14th-ranked classes (2009, 2013), one that sat at No. 15 (2015), a No. 18 class (2018), and one that came in 22nd nationally (2010).
Prior to Washington’s arrival, Penn State had only signed one McDonald’s All-American in program history, but the seasoned recruiter has brought six to campus in her 11 years as head coach. Candice Agee (2012), Brianna Banks (2011), De’Janae Boykin (2015), Maggie Lucas (2010), Sierra Moore (2012) and Dara Taylor (2009) have all donned the McDonald’s All-American uniform before matriculating to the University Park campus.
Led by the All-American duo of Indiana native Alex Bentley and Lone Star State product Nikki Greene, Washington’s 2009 class also included all-state performers Gizelle Studevent (California) and Marissa Wolfe (Pennsylvania), along with transfer Mia Nickson (Virginia), who was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school in 2008. In 2010, Washington landed a pair of Pennsylvania’s top players in shooting guard Maggie Lucas and forward Talia East, while the three-person class was boosted by New York wing and WBCA High School All-American Ariel Edwards.
In 2013, Washington and her staff inked a seven-person class that included four ESPN HoopGurlz Top-100 players, including the Georgia duo of Kaliyah Mitchell and Peyton Whitted, and Maryland guard Lindsey Spann. The 2013 class was also bolstered by the addition of Duke transfer Sierra Moore, who was a McDonald’s All-American in the class of 2012.
A pair of five-star guards in Chicago native Teniya Page and Maryland product Amari Carter led the way for the class of 2015. Adding to a strong recruiting haul was the highly recruited post pair of Kentucky’s Ashanti Thomas and Boston-area product Jaylen Williams.
Washington came to Happy Valley after eight seasons as an associate head coach and assistant coach under Muffet McGraw at Notre Dame, her alma mater. One of the top recruiters in the country, Washington was instrumental in helping the Irish secure eight consecutive top-25 recruiting classes, a feat only accomplished by two other programs in the country (Connecticut and Tennessee).
WNBA: Pioneer and Pupils
A pioneer in advancing the WNBA both on and off the court, Washington continues to supply the league with top-notch talent, sending six Penn Staters to play in the world’s most competitive professional league.
Alex Bentley and Maggie Lucas are two of Washington’s pupils that have seen success on the grand stage, with Bentley playing in the WNBA Finals as a rookie and earning WNBA All-Star status in 2015. Lucas also competed in the WNBA Finals, helping the Indiana Fever to the WNBA Championship series against the Minnesota Lynx during the 2015 season.
In 2014, Lucas was selected with the 21st overall pick (second round) by the Phoenix Mercury, then was traded to the Indiana Fever during training camp. In her third year as a professional, Lucas saw her court time increase each season, before suffering a season-ending injury in the fourth game of the 2016 campaign, an injury that ultimately sidelined her in 2017, as well. Lucas returned to the WNBA playoffs in 2018 as a member of the Dallas Wings. Also in 2014, Ariel Edwards inked a free agent contract with the Tulsa Shock.
In 2013, for the third time in program history, the Lady Lion program saw a pair of student-athletes selected in the WNBA Draft. Bentley went 13th overall to the Atlanta Dream and Nikki Greene was selected 26th overall by the Phoenix Mercury. Bentley helped the Atlanta Dream to the 2018 WNBA Semifinals. She returned to the Dream after playing four-plus seasons with the Connecticut Sun and a previous one-year stint with the Atlanta Dream. A WNBA All-Rookie selection in 2013, she was among the MVP candidates in 2015 before missing the final nine games of the season with an injury.
Greene played two years in the league, suiting up for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2014 before teaming up with Bentley in Connecticut during the 2015 season.
Tyra Grant capped off her Penn State career by being selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the 2010 WNBA Draft, and Washington was also instrumental in helping Kam Gissendanner sign a free agent contract with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks following in the 2008 campaign. Edwards and Zhaque Gray have also signed free agent contracts with WNBA teams, inking deals with the Tulsa Shock and Chicago Sky, respectively, in 2014.
During her time at Notre Dame, Washington saw seven players earn roster spots on WNBA teams.
Dancing Shoes
In 20 years as a collegiate coach, Washington laced up her dancing shoes and headed to the postseason on 15 occasions, including 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament. While coaching the Blue and White, Washington has guided the program to four NCAA Tournament berths and three appearances in the WNIT.
From 2011-14, the Lady Lions advanced to the NCAA Tournament each season, reaching at least the second round on all four occasions. The 2012 and 2014 squads moved on to the Sweet Sixteen with a pair of postseason wins, before falling to top-five ranked opponents.
The 2017-18 and 2016-17 squads made a pair of WNIT apperances, with the 16-17 squad advancing to the third round.
In their fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, the 2014 squad hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament inside the Bryce Jordan Center for the 14th time in school history. Wins over Wichita State in the opening round and a 22-point rout of Florida in the second round sent the program to its 13th Sweet Sixteen. A date with No. 5/6 Stanford awaited in Palo Alto, as the No. 3 seed Lady Lions fell to the No. 2 seed Cardinal at Maples Pavilion to close out a 24-8 campaign, which included a Big Ten regular-season title.
In 2013, Penn State again advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a win over Cal Poly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 26-6 campaign ended with a loss to LSU on their home court. The Lady Lions advanced to the 2012 Sweet Sixteen with wins over UTEP and LSU in Baton Rouge before falling to No. 3/3 Connecticut en route to a 26-7 overall record.
The Lady Lions worked their way back to the “Big Dance” for the first time since 2004-05 and advanced to the second round for the first time in seven years with a win over Dayton in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament in front of a raucous Bryce Jordan Center crowd. Washington’s first appearance in the tournament as a head coach started with a 75-66 win over Dayton.
Washington’s first taste of postseason play as a head coach came against Hofstra in the 2010 WNIT. The Lady Lions hosted the contest on the University Park campus, but the Pride got the best of a young Lady Lions squad in the opening round.
During Washington’s eight years on the bench, Notre Dame reached the NCAA Tournament each season, including four Sweet Sixteen runs and the 2001 National Championship.
Trophies & All-Americans
Washington’s competitive side shines brightest on the biggest stages and that is a trait that her teams have taken on during her tenure on the University Park campus, as well. Washington’s teams have advanced out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament in all four of trips, while earning berths in the Sweet Sixteen twice.
From 2012-14, the Lady Lions claimed three-straight Big Ten regular-season titles, making them one of just four teams in conference history to win three-or-more regular season crowns in a row. Washington’s squads took the title outright in 2012 and 2013, while sharing the crown in 2014.
Washington is a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (2012, 2013 & 2014), a two-time WBCA Region Six Coach of the Year (2012 & 2013) and two-time finalist for WBCA National Coach of the Year (2012 & 2013). She was also selected as the 2011 and 2014 Black Coaches Association (BCA) Female Coach of the Year.
On the national awards front, Washington’s players have earned a host of national honors from All-America laurels to honors for community service and selflessness. Teniya Page joined the list of Washington pupils to earn national honors after her standout sophomore campaign and graduated as a two-time honoree after also receiving the honors as a senior. The Chicago, Illinois native became just the second Penn Stater to earn WBCA All-America laurels as a sophomore (Kelly Mazzante). Page became the sixth-ever Lady Lion to reach the 2,000-career point milestone during the 2018-19 season.
Maggie Lucas finished her Penn State career as one of the most decorated student-athletes to pass through the Lady Lion program. Lucas was a two-time finalist for the Wade Trophy and Wooden Award, while earning nine All-American honors, including first team honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) in 2013 and 2014. She was a three-time AP All-American, garnering second team (2013), third team (2014) and honorable mention (2012) accolades during her career.
Alex Bentley was a two-time All-American, earning AP honorable mention laurels in 2013, and WBCA naming her honorable-mention All-America in 2012 and 2013. One of the toughest defenders in the nation and a scoring threat from anywhere on the court, Bentley was the 2013 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award winner as the nation’s top player under 5-foot-8.
Bentley and Lucas were both named to Freshman All-America teams during their rookie seasons of 2010 and 2011, respectively, while Tyra Grant was Washington’s first All-American, garnering honorable mention honors in 2010 from the Associated Press.
On-court accolades are not the only ones celebrated by the Lady Lion program, with Gizelle Studevent and Maggie Lucas each earning national attention for their off-court undertakings. Studevent was a member of the 2013 Allstate WBCA Good Works Team, honoring student-athletes that have made outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement. Studevent was the lifeblood and founder of the anti-bullying program Penn State Athletes Take Action (PSATA). Earning a selection to the 2014 Senior CLASS Award All-American Team, Lucas was one of 10 women’s basketball student-athletes to be celebrated for the award that is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School.
During her tenure at Notre Dame, Washington coached five All-Americans in her role as the guards coach, and was directly responsible for developing three All-Americans and two Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award winners: Niele Ivey and Megan Duffy. Washington also worked with Alicia Ratay, who is the NCAA’s career 3-point field goal percentage leader.
B1G Things Happening
In 12 seasons on the sideline, Washington has seen 17 players earn All-Big Ten laurels on 32 occasions, along with three each earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors. Among the All-Big Ten honorees, five of Washington’s pupils account for 12 first team selections and Penn State has seen multiple players earn all-conference in 10 of her 12 seasons on the sideline.
Earning Big Ten Player of the Year on two occasions (2013 & 2014), Maggie Lucas was also the 2011 Big Ten Freshman and Sixth Player of the Year. Lucas joins Alex Bentley as three-time All-Big Ten first team selections under Washington. Teniya Page became just the fourth Lady Lion to earn consensus All-Big Ten first team as a sophomore in 2016-17 and again in 2018-19, while Tyra Grant (2009 & 2010) and Ariel Edwards (2014) round out the group of first teamers.
Dara Taylor became the first Lady Lion under Washington to win the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, claiming the award in 2014, while also getting the nod to the All-Defensive Team in 2013. Bentley was also a two-time Big Ten All-Defensive Team choice (2012 & 2013), while Nikki Greene earned her selection to the squad for her shot blocking prowess in 2011.
In 2016, Penn State placed three players on the All-Big Ten team, highlighted by Page’s selection to the All-Big Ten second team as a true freshman. Her second team selection made her just the third Penn State rookie to earn either first or second team honors at season’s end, joining Lucas (2nd team; 2011) and Kelly Mazzante (1st team; 2001). Adding to the haul of all-conference honors were Brianna Banks and Lindsey Spann, each earning honorable mention selections.
During Washington’s first Big Ten Championship run in 2012, her squad put five players on the All-Big Ten squad. Bentley and Lucas each earned first team honors that season, and Greene, Zhaque Gray and Mia Nickson all noted honorable mention accolades. Both the 2011 and 2014 teams placed four players on the All-B1G squads, with the 2016 team joining the 2008 and 2013 teams that each had three representatives.
Washington is a stout believer in getting her best players on the floor regardless of position or class, with three student-athletes earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman squad. Bentley (2010) and Page (2016) were both unanimous all-rookie picks, and Lucas secured a spot on the 2011 list.
The success of her student-athletes isn’t confined to the hardwood, as the Lady Lion program had 55 Academic All-Big Ten honorees over her 12 seasons. The 2015 squad set a school record with seven honorees on the list, while her 2009 and 2013 teams each saw six honorees for academic success. The 2016 team had a school-record three student-athletes named Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, awarded to Big Ten student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year. Sarah McMurtry, Kaliyah Mitchell and Spann all earned the honor, giving Penn State the most representatives of any Big Ten women’s basketball program in 2016-17.
Play to Your Strengths
Washington’s style of play lends itself to being up-tempo and high scoring, which has enabled the program to rise to new heights and return to the national spotlight. As a member of the Big Ten Conference, her teams are playing one of the toughest conference slates in the country, but that doesn’t stop Washington from scheduling key non-conference games against the nation’s best teams – home and on the road.
In each of Washington’s first six years, Penn State improved its Big Ten win total and the Lady Lions posted three consecutive 25-win seasons, joining the 1993-94, 1994-95 and 1995-96 squads as the only teams in program history to accomplish the feat.
During Washington’s 12 seasons, Penn State toppled ranked opponents in nine of those seasons; winning multiple games against ranked foes during eight of those campaigns. Her first season in Happy Valley included wins over No. 20 Pittsburgh and No. 10 Duke. The 2011-12 squad traveled to No. 16/13 Texas A&M for a top-20 showdown with the Aggies and walked away with 63-58 victory to snap a 58-game non-conference home court winning streak for TAMU.
The 2016 squad also had its share of success against ranked opponents, pushing No. 4 Tennessee to the brink in an early season road test, before opening the Big Ten schedule with a 79-72 victory over then-No. 14 Northwestern at the Bryce Jordan Center. Avenging an earlier loss to Michigan State, Penn State traveled to East Lansing and handed the then-No. 15 Spartans a 65-61 defeat in front of a national television audience on the Big Ten Network.
Inside the Bryce Jordan Center, the home crowd was delighted by a pair of top-25 victories on the way to a school-record-tying 16-2 overall home record. On Nov. 20, it started with a 70-56 victory over then-No. 13 Tennessee and continued with a thrilling triumph over No. 24 Michigan, 76-75, to cap the 11th annual Play4Kay game benefiting Pink Zone in front of 8,213 fans. The 2017-18 team took down a then No. 25/21 Rutgers, 70-67, last season.
The Penn State record books have also been invaded by Washington’s teams and student-athletes.Teniya Page was a catalyst on the court in 2015-16, as she was the only freshman in the NCAA to average at least 15 points and four assists per game. She became just the third rookie in Penn State history to reach the 400-point and 100-assist mark - and first since Suzie McConnell (1984-85).
Continuing her assent into the national conversation in 2016-17, Page became the first Lady Lion to amass 200 made field goals, 60 made 3-pointers, 100 made free throws and 100 assists in a single season. She also became just the fourth Penn Stater to reach the 1,000-point mark prior to the end of her sophomore campaign, joining the group of Kelly Mazzante, Maggie Lucas and Susan Robinson – the top three scorers in Lady Lion history.
As a senior in 2018-19, Page became the first player in Lady Lion history to eclipse 2,000 career points, 400 career assists and 400 career rebounds. Page graduated with career numbers of 2,108 points, 425 rebounds and 417 assists. She became the sixth-ever Lady Lion to reach the 2,000-career point milestone on Feb. 3, 2019 against Iowa. She joined the likes of former Penn State legends Kelly Mazzante (2,919 points), Maggie Lucas (2,510), Susan Robinson (2,253), Tyra Grant (2,044) and Kahadeejah Herbert (2,026) as the sixth member of the 2,000-point club. Her 2,108 career points are fourth all-time on the Penn State career scoring charts.
Lucas finished her career second in school history and fourth in Big Ten history in scoring (2,510) and broke the Penn State and Big Ten records for career 3-pointers made (365) and career free throw percentage (.907). Lucas left Penn State ranked among the top-five on 25 different single season or career charts.
Nikki Greene became the first player in school history to accumulate 1,000 points, 900 rebounds and 200 blocks, while Alex Bentley is one of only two players (Suzie McConnell) in program history with 1,500 points, 500 assists and 250 steals. Brianne O’Rourke closed out her career as an All-Big Ten performer and left Penn State as one of just six players in school history with 1,000 points and 500 assists.
On the team side of things, the 2013-14 graduating class of Lucas, Ariel Edwards, Dara Taylor and Talia East produced 101 wins, which are the second-most wins by a senior class in Lady Lion history.
The 2010-11 team was a dominating force from the perimeter as the Lady Lions tied the school record with 228 3-pointers and led the NCAA from deep with a .415 3-point field goal percentage. Beyond the arc was a place the 2016-17 team thrived, as well, sitting No. 3 in school history with 193 makes from long range. Washington’s squad had three student-athletes top the 40-make mark from 3-point range, as Page (64), Lindsey Spann (41) and Jaida Travascio-Green (46) became the second trio in school history to all top the 40-make mark in a single season.
With just 13.0 turnovers per game during the 2016-17 season, Washington’s squad set the school standard for taking care of the basketball. That average gives Washington-led teams five of the top 10 lowest turnovers per game marks in program history. To add to that, the 2016-17 squad equaled the school record for fewest turnovers in a game on three occasions, committing just six missteps vs. Wisconsin, Purdue and Fordham.
Double Domer
Washington was a four-year starting point guard for Notre Dame under McGraw and was the team captain on Notre Dame’s first-ever NCAA Tournament team. She was a two-time All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference (MCC) selection and led the Irish to three MCC Tournament titles. Washington led the team in steals in each of her four seasons and was tops on the squad in assists three times. Washington is first on UND’s all-time steals per game list (2.7), third in career steals (307) and sixth in assists (554).
The epitome of a student-athlete, Washington graduated from Notre Dame in 1992, a full year ahead of schedule, with a bachelor’s degree in history. She went on to attain “Double Domer” status in 1997 after earning her Juris Doctorate from the Notre Dame Law School.
The Consummate Professional
Washington juggled finishing her law degree with the start of her professional basketball career, returning to the hardwood as a professional in 1997-98 with the ABL’s Portland Power before spending a two-year stint with the WNBA’s New York Liberty (1998-99) and playing in the WNBA Finals in 1999.
Moving to Houston in 2000, Washington played an instrumental role in leading the Comets to the WNBA title. Her solid season in 2001 with the Comets for Hall of Fame coach Van Chancellor, saw her finish ninth in the WNBA in assists and fourth in steals as Houston earned its fifth consecutive playoff berth. Washington’s started the 2002 campaign in Houston before being traded to the Indiana Fever at the midway point of the season. Washington guided the Fever to their first-ever playoff berth, helping her become the first player in WNBA history to lead three different teams to the postseason. She retired from the WNBA in 2003 as a member of the Fever.
Utilizing her law degree, Washington was a central figure in helping create the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA), serving as the founding president of the WNBPA from 1999 until 2001. She also served as the Executive Vice President of the WNBPA from 2001 until her retirement in 2003. Washington led negotiations for the association’s first collective bargaining agreement as the association’s president, and as the executive vice president was a mainstay in the negotiations for the league’s second collective bargaining agreement, which brought about the first free agency system in women’s professional sports. A native of Flint, Michigan, Washington was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in December 2009.
Serving the Community
Be it on the hardwood, on the golf course, or out on a speaking engagement, Washington is among the most active Penn State coaches in the community. Her annual efforts include Coquese’s Drive for the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, championing the fight against breast cancer for the Penn State Play4Kay game and supporting her team during their many hours of giving back to the Centre region.
One of the first relationships that Washington established in State College was with the Executive Director of the Centre County Women’s Resource Center (now called Centre SAFE), Ann Ard. The relationship grew quickly, with the focus shifting to helping the local non-profit find a way to raise funds and provide resources in the fight against domestic violence. In its 11 years, Coquese’s Drive has raised more than $223,185 to benefit the CCWRC.
While the event has spread nationally, Penn State women’s basketball was and continues to be a trend-setter in spreading awareness for breast cancer research as the first team in the country to wear pink uniforms. Washington has embraced Pink Zone at Penn State and helped it grow into an annual “can’t miss” event for survivors and supporters alike. During her tenure, Washington has seen the program’s Play4Kay game grow in both attendance numbers and funds raised. The 698 survivors at the 2014 game are the most in program history, while the $310,000 raised that year are a benchmark for years to come. Lady Lion basketball and Pink Zone have distributed more than $2 million since the partnership began in 2007.
Along with her community involvement, Washington has appointed Miriam Powell as the Director of Community Outreach for the Lady Lion program. Powell has been charged with creating powerful and impactful relationships for the women’s basketball program within the Penn State and surrounding communities, through service and volunteerism. This role was created by Washington to make sure the Lady Lions are serving those who spend much of their own time supporting Lady Lion Basketball on the floor and in the classroom.
The Personal Side
Washington and her husband, Raynell Brown, have a son, Quenton (13), and a daughter, Rhaiyna (9). Raynell is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Penn State Law School and is a former partner at Hicks & Brown Sports Agency, where he represented athletes in the NFL, FIBA, NBA and WNBA. They reside in Port Matilda.
Overall Record: 209-169
7 National Postseason Tournament Appearances in 12 seasons as head coach (4 NCAA, 3 WNIT)
B.A. in History - Notre Dame ’92 | Juris Doctorate - Notre Dame Law School ‘97
Honors and Awards
2012, 2013, 2014 Big Ten Coach of the Year
2012, 2013 WBCA Region 6 Coach of the Year
2012, 2013 WBCA National Coach of the Year Finalist
2011, 2013 BCA Female Coach of the Year
2009 Greater Flint Hall of Fame Inductee
2008 WBCA “Rising Star” Award Winner
Upon arriving on the University Park campus as the fifth head coach in Penn State women’s history - and first female African-American head coach in Penn State history - Coquese Washington quickly returned the program to national prominence with her up-tempo, aggressive style of play. Entering her 12th season on the sideline in Happy Valley in 2018-19, her passion for creating a winning culture, predicated on innovative coaching techniques, tireless recruiting, cultivating meaningful relationships with student-athletes and an unmatched enthusiasm for teaching the game she loves, Washington is in the conversation as one of the nation’s top head coaches.
Washington has seen success at every level of basketball and in every role she has filled on the sidelines. She became the first player at Flint Central High School to earn a starting position all four seasons and helped her squad to the program’s first Saginaw Valley League and district championships, while earning all-state honors on two occasions.
She went on to earn four varsity letters at the University of Notre Dame, leading the team in steals four times and assists on three occasions, before moving on to professional basketball where she was a member of the 2000 WNBA Champion Houston Comets squad.
On the sidelines, she has appeared in the postseason 15 times, with 12 of those being NCAA Tournament appearances. She helped the Lady Lions to four-straight berths in the NCAA Tournament - including a pair of Sweet Sixteen appearances - and was an assistant coach on Notre Dame’s 2001 NCAA National Championship team. Her three-straight Big Ten Championships make her one of just four coaches in Big Ten history with three-or-more consecutive Big Ten regular-season championships (Jim Foster, Ohio State; C. Vivian Stringer, Iowa & Tara VanDerveer, Ohio State), taking home outright crowns in 2012 and 2013, while sharing the 2014 title.
Growing the Game
The professionals who are most successful often share one trait; they are thinkers, and Washington is no different. As a student-athlete at Notre Dame, Washington earned her degree in just three years. After her collegiate career was complete, Washington went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from her alma mater, while simultaneously playing in the professional ranks for the American Basketball League’s (ABL) Portland Power. Her passion for learning is matched only by her love of family and basketball.
Washington has served on the WBCA Board of Directors since becoming Penn State’s head coach, currently holding the role of President with the organization that is tasked with solving issues, preserving the history and growing the game of women's basketball. She was also the Vice President/President-Elect from 2013-15.
Her service to the game also includes time with USA Basketball, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the NCAA Women's Basketball Issues Committee. She won a gold medal with Team USA in Kazan, Russia at the 2013 World University Games and served on the USA Basketball Women's Junior National Committee from 2009-12. Her work with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors ran from 2012-15 and she served five years on the NCAA Women’s Basketball Issues Committee.
Of her many accomplishments, Washington was the founding President of the WNBA Players Association in 1999 and was a primary force in negotiating the association’s first two collective bargaining agreements.
Recruiting Premier Talent
The recruiting trail has always been a place of success for Washington, with the Lady Lions signing four top-25 recruiting classes - including three top-15 classes - since her arrival In Happy Valley. Her top-25 recruiting classes have included a pair of 14th-ranked classes (2009, 2013), one that sat at No. 15 (2015), a No. 18 class (2018), and one that came in 22nd nationally (2010).
Prior to Washington’s arrival, Penn State had only signed one McDonald’s All-American in program history, but the seasoned recruiter has brought six to campus in her 11 years as head coach. Candice Agee (2012), Brianna Banks (2011), De’Janae Boykin (2015), Maggie Lucas (2010), Sierra Moore (2012) and Dara Taylor (2009) have all donned the McDonald’s All-American uniform before matriculating to the University Park campus.
Led by the All-American duo of Indiana native Alex Bentley and Lone Star State product Nikki Greene, Washington’s 2009 class also included all-state performers Gizelle Studevent (California) and Marissa Wolfe (Pennsylvania), along with transfer Mia Nickson (Virginia), who was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school in 2008. In 2010, Washington landed a pair of Pennsylvania’s top players in shooting guard Maggie Lucas and forward Talia East, while the three-person class was boosted by New York wing and WBCA High School All-American Ariel Edwards.
In 2013, Washington and her staff inked a seven-person class that included four ESPN HoopGurlz Top-100 players, including the Georgia duo of Kaliyah Mitchell and Peyton Whitted, and Maryland guard Lindsey Spann. The 2013 class was also bolstered by the addition of Duke transfer Sierra Moore, who was a McDonald’s All-American in the class of 2012.
A pair of five-star guards in Chicago native Teniya Page and Maryland product Amari Carter led the way for the class of 2015. Adding to a strong recruiting haul was the highly recruited post pair of Kentucky’s Ashanti Thomas and Boston-area product Jaylen Williams.
Washington came to Happy Valley after eight seasons as an associate head coach and assistant coach under Muffet McGraw at Notre Dame, her alma mater. One of the top recruiters in the country, Washington was instrumental in helping the Irish secure eight consecutive top-25 recruiting classes, a feat only accomplished by two other programs in the country (Connecticut and Tennessee).
WNBA: Pioneer and Pupils
A pioneer in advancing the WNBA both on and off the court, Washington continues to supply the league with top-notch talent, sending six Penn Staters to play in the world’s most competitive professional league.
Alex Bentley and Maggie Lucas are two of Washington’s pupils that have seen success on the grand stage, with Bentley playing in the WNBA Finals as a rookie and earning WNBA All-Star status in 2015. Lucas also competed in the WNBA Finals, helping the Indiana Fever to the WNBA Championship series against the Minnesota Lynx during the 2015 season.
In 2014, Lucas was selected with the 21st overall pick (second round) by the Phoenix Mercury, then was traded to the Indiana Fever during training camp. In her third year as a professional, Lucas saw her court time increase each season, before suffering a season-ending injury in the fourth game of the 2016 campaign, an injury that ultimately sidelined her in 2017, as well. Lucas returned to the WNBA playoffs in 2018 as a member of the Dallas Wings. Also in 2014, Ariel Edwards inked a free agent contract with the Tulsa Shock.
In 2013, for the third time in program history, the Lady Lion program saw a pair of student-athletes selected in the WNBA Draft. Bentley went 13th overall to the Atlanta Dream and Nikki Greene was selected 26th overall by the Phoenix Mercury. Bentley helped the Atlanta Dream to the 2018 WNBA Semifinals. She returned to the Dream after playing four-plus seasons with the Connecticut Sun and a previous one-year stint with the Atlanta Dream. A WNBA All-Rookie selection in 2013, she was among the MVP candidates in 2015 before missing the final nine games of the season with an injury.
Greene played two years in the league, suiting up for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2014 before teaming up with Bentley in Connecticut during the 2015 season.
Tyra Grant capped off her Penn State career by being selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the 2010 WNBA Draft, and Washington was also instrumental in helping Kam Gissendanner sign a free agent contract with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks following in the 2008 campaign. Edwards and Zhaque Gray have also signed free agent contracts with WNBA teams, inking deals with the Tulsa Shock and Chicago Sky, respectively, in 2014.
During her time at Notre Dame, Washington saw seven players earn roster spots on WNBA teams.
Dancing Shoes
In 20 years as a collegiate coach, Washington laced up her dancing shoes and headed to the postseason on 15 occasions, including 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament. While coaching the Blue and White, Washington has guided the program to four NCAA Tournament berths and three appearances in the WNIT.
From 2011-14, the Lady Lions advanced to the NCAA Tournament each season, reaching at least the second round on all four occasions. The 2012 and 2014 squads moved on to the Sweet Sixteen with a pair of postseason wins, before falling to top-five ranked opponents.
The 2017-18 and 2016-17 squads made a pair of WNIT apperances, with the 16-17 squad advancing to the third round.
In their fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, the 2014 squad hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament inside the Bryce Jordan Center for the 14th time in school history. Wins over Wichita State in the opening round and a 22-point rout of Florida in the second round sent the program to its 13th Sweet Sixteen. A date with No. 5/6 Stanford awaited in Palo Alto, as the No. 3 seed Lady Lions fell to the No. 2 seed Cardinal at Maples Pavilion to close out a 24-8 campaign, which included a Big Ten regular-season title.
In 2013, Penn State again advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a win over Cal Poly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 26-6 campaign ended with a loss to LSU on their home court. The Lady Lions advanced to the 2012 Sweet Sixteen with wins over UTEP and LSU in Baton Rouge before falling to No. 3/3 Connecticut en route to a 26-7 overall record.
The Lady Lions worked their way back to the “Big Dance” for the first time since 2004-05 and advanced to the second round for the first time in seven years with a win over Dayton in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament in front of a raucous Bryce Jordan Center crowd. Washington’s first appearance in the tournament as a head coach started with a 75-66 win over Dayton.
Washington’s first taste of postseason play as a head coach came against Hofstra in the 2010 WNIT. The Lady Lions hosted the contest on the University Park campus, but the Pride got the best of a young Lady Lions squad in the opening round.
During Washington’s eight years on the bench, Notre Dame reached the NCAA Tournament each season, including four Sweet Sixteen runs and the 2001 National Championship.
Trophies & All-Americans
Washington’s competitive side shines brightest on the biggest stages and that is a trait that her teams have taken on during her tenure on the University Park campus, as well. Washington’s teams have advanced out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament in all four of trips, while earning berths in the Sweet Sixteen twice.
From 2012-14, the Lady Lions claimed three-straight Big Ten regular-season titles, making them one of just four teams in conference history to win three-or-more regular season crowns in a row. Washington’s squads took the title outright in 2012 and 2013, while sharing the crown in 2014.
Washington is a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (2012, 2013 & 2014), a two-time WBCA Region Six Coach of the Year (2012 & 2013) and two-time finalist for WBCA National Coach of the Year (2012 & 2013). She was also selected as the 2011 and 2014 Black Coaches Association (BCA) Female Coach of the Year.
On the national awards front, Washington’s players have earned a host of national honors from All-America laurels to honors for community service and selflessness. Teniya Page joined the list of Washington pupils to earn national honors after her standout sophomore campaign and graduated as a two-time honoree after also receiving the honors as a senior. The Chicago, Illinois native became just the second Penn Stater to earn WBCA All-America laurels as a sophomore (Kelly Mazzante). Page became the sixth-ever Lady Lion to reach the 2,000-career point milestone during the 2018-19 season.
Maggie Lucas finished her Penn State career as one of the most decorated student-athletes to pass through the Lady Lion program. Lucas was a two-time finalist for the Wade Trophy and Wooden Award, while earning nine All-American honors, including first team honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) in 2013 and 2014. She was a three-time AP All-American, garnering second team (2013), third team (2014) and honorable mention (2012) accolades during her career.
Alex Bentley was a two-time All-American, earning AP honorable mention laurels in 2013, and WBCA naming her honorable-mention All-America in 2012 and 2013. One of the toughest defenders in the nation and a scoring threat from anywhere on the court, Bentley was the 2013 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award winner as the nation’s top player under 5-foot-8.
Bentley and Lucas were both named to Freshman All-America teams during their rookie seasons of 2010 and 2011, respectively, while Tyra Grant was Washington’s first All-American, garnering honorable mention honors in 2010 from the Associated Press.
On-court accolades are not the only ones celebrated by the Lady Lion program, with Gizelle Studevent and Maggie Lucas each earning national attention for their off-court undertakings. Studevent was a member of the 2013 Allstate WBCA Good Works Team, honoring student-athletes that have made outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement. Studevent was the lifeblood and founder of the anti-bullying program Penn State Athletes Take Action (PSATA). Earning a selection to the 2014 Senior CLASS Award All-American Team, Lucas was one of 10 women’s basketball student-athletes to be celebrated for the award that is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School.
During her tenure at Notre Dame, Washington coached five All-Americans in her role as the guards coach, and was directly responsible for developing three All-Americans and two Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award winners: Niele Ivey and Megan Duffy. Washington also worked with Alicia Ratay, who is the NCAA’s career 3-point field goal percentage leader.
B1G Things Happening
In 12 seasons on the sideline, Washington has seen 17 players earn All-Big Ten laurels on 32 occasions, along with three each earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors. Among the All-Big Ten honorees, five of Washington’s pupils account for 12 first team selections and Penn State has seen multiple players earn all-conference in 10 of her 12 seasons on the sideline.
Earning Big Ten Player of the Year on two occasions (2013 & 2014), Maggie Lucas was also the 2011 Big Ten Freshman and Sixth Player of the Year. Lucas joins Alex Bentley as three-time All-Big Ten first team selections under Washington. Teniya Page became just the fourth Lady Lion to earn consensus All-Big Ten first team as a sophomore in 2016-17 and again in 2018-19, while Tyra Grant (2009 & 2010) and Ariel Edwards (2014) round out the group of first teamers.
Dara Taylor became the first Lady Lion under Washington to win the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, claiming the award in 2014, while also getting the nod to the All-Defensive Team in 2013. Bentley was also a two-time Big Ten All-Defensive Team choice (2012 & 2013), while Nikki Greene earned her selection to the squad for her shot blocking prowess in 2011.
In 2016, Penn State placed three players on the All-Big Ten team, highlighted by Page’s selection to the All-Big Ten second team as a true freshman. Her second team selection made her just the third Penn State rookie to earn either first or second team honors at season’s end, joining Lucas (2nd team; 2011) and Kelly Mazzante (1st team; 2001). Adding to the haul of all-conference honors were Brianna Banks and Lindsey Spann, each earning honorable mention selections.
During Washington’s first Big Ten Championship run in 2012, her squad put five players on the All-Big Ten squad. Bentley and Lucas each earned first team honors that season, and Greene, Zhaque Gray and Mia Nickson all noted honorable mention accolades. Both the 2011 and 2014 teams placed four players on the All-B1G squads, with the 2016 team joining the 2008 and 2013 teams that each had three representatives.
Washington is a stout believer in getting her best players on the floor regardless of position or class, with three student-athletes earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman squad. Bentley (2010) and Page (2016) were both unanimous all-rookie picks, and Lucas secured a spot on the 2011 list.
The success of her student-athletes isn’t confined to the hardwood, as the Lady Lion program had 55 Academic All-Big Ten honorees over her 12 seasons. The 2015 squad set a school record with seven honorees on the list, while her 2009 and 2013 teams each saw six honorees for academic success. The 2016 team had a school-record three student-athletes named Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, awarded to Big Ten student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year. Sarah McMurtry, Kaliyah Mitchell and Spann all earned the honor, giving Penn State the most representatives of any Big Ten women’s basketball program in 2016-17.
Play to Your Strengths
Washington’s style of play lends itself to being up-tempo and high scoring, which has enabled the program to rise to new heights and return to the national spotlight. As a member of the Big Ten Conference, her teams are playing one of the toughest conference slates in the country, but that doesn’t stop Washington from scheduling key non-conference games against the nation’s best teams – home and on the road.
In each of Washington’s first six years, Penn State improved its Big Ten win total and the Lady Lions posted three consecutive 25-win seasons, joining the 1993-94, 1994-95 and 1995-96 squads as the only teams in program history to accomplish the feat.
During Washington’s 12 seasons, Penn State toppled ranked opponents in nine of those seasons; winning multiple games against ranked foes during eight of those campaigns. Her first season in Happy Valley included wins over No. 20 Pittsburgh and No. 10 Duke. The 2011-12 squad traveled to No. 16/13 Texas A&M for a top-20 showdown with the Aggies and walked away with 63-58 victory to snap a 58-game non-conference home court winning streak for TAMU.
The 2016 squad also had its share of success against ranked opponents, pushing No. 4 Tennessee to the brink in an early season road test, before opening the Big Ten schedule with a 79-72 victory over then-No. 14 Northwestern at the Bryce Jordan Center. Avenging an earlier loss to Michigan State, Penn State traveled to East Lansing and handed the then-No. 15 Spartans a 65-61 defeat in front of a national television audience on the Big Ten Network.
Inside the Bryce Jordan Center, the home crowd was delighted by a pair of top-25 victories on the way to a school-record-tying 16-2 overall home record. On Nov. 20, it started with a 70-56 victory over then-No. 13 Tennessee and continued with a thrilling triumph over No. 24 Michigan, 76-75, to cap the 11th annual Play4Kay game benefiting Pink Zone in front of 8,213 fans. The 2017-18 team took down a then No. 25/21 Rutgers, 70-67, last season.
The Penn State record books have also been invaded by Washington’s teams and student-athletes.Teniya Page was a catalyst on the court in 2015-16, as she was the only freshman in the NCAA to average at least 15 points and four assists per game. She became just the third rookie in Penn State history to reach the 400-point and 100-assist mark - and first since Suzie McConnell (1984-85).
Continuing her assent into the national conversation in 2016-17, Page became the first Lady Lion to amass 200 made field goals, 60 made 3-pointers, 100 made free throws and 100 assists in a single season. She also became just the fourth Penn Stater to reach the 1,000-point mark prior to the end of her sophomore campaign, joining the group of Kelly Mazzante, Maggie Lucas and Susan Robinson – the top three scorers in Lady Lion history.
As a senior in 2018-19, Page became the first player in Lady Lion history to eclipse 2,000 career points, 400 career assists and 400 career rebounds. Page graduated with career numbers of 2,108 points, 425 rebounds and 417 assists. She became the sixth-ever Lady Lion to reach the 2,000-career point milestone on Feb. 3, 2019 against Iowa. She joined the likes of former Penn State legends Kelly Mazzante (2,919 points), Maggie Lucas (2,510), Susan Robinson (2,253), Tyra Grant (2,044) and Kahadeejah Herbert (2,026) as the sixth member of the 2,000-point club. Her 2,108 career points are fourth all-time on the Penn State career scoring charts.
Lucas finished her career second in school history and fourth in Big Ten history in scoring (2,510) and broke the Penn State and Big Ten records for career 3-pointers made (365) and career free throw percentage (.907). Lucas left Penn State ranked among the top-five on 25 different single season or career charts.
Nikki Greene became the first player in school history to accumulate 1,000 points, 900 rebounds and 200 blocks, while Alex Bentley is one of only two players (Suzie McConnell) in program history with 1,500 points, 500 assists and 250 steals. Brianne O’Rourke closed out her career as an All-Big Ten performer and left Penn State as one of just six players in school history with 1,000 points and 500 assists.
On the team side of things, the 2013-14 graduating class of Lucas, Ariel Edwards, Dara Taylor and Talia East produced 101 wins, which are the second-most wins by a senior class in Lady Lion history.
The 2010-11 team was a dominating force from the perimeter as the Lady Lions tied the school record with 228 3-pointers and led the NCAA from deep with a .415 3-point field goal percentage. Beyond the arc was a place the 2016-17 team thrived, as well, sitting No. 3 in school history with 193 makes from long range. Washington’s squad had three student-athletes top the 40-make mark from 3-point range, as Page (64), Lindsey Spann (41) and Jaida Travascio-Green (46) became the second trio in school history to all top the 40-make mark in a single season.
With just 13.0 turnovers per game during the 2016-17 season, Washington’s squad set the school standard for taking care of the basketball. That average gives Washington-led teams five of the top 10 lowest turnovers per game marks in program history. To add to that, the 2016-17 squad equaled the school record for fewest turnovers in a game on three occasions, committing just six missteps vs. Wisconsin, Purdue and Fordham.
Double Domer
Washington was a four-year starting point guard for Notre Dame under McGraw and was the team captain on Notre Dame’s first-ever NCAA Tournament team. She was a two-time All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference (MCC) selection and led the Irish to three MCC Tournament titles. Washington led the team in steals in each of her four seasons and was tops on the squad in assists three times. Washington is first on UND’s all-time steals per game list (2.7), third in career steals (307) and sixth in assists (554).
The epitome of a student-athlete, Washington graduated from Notre Dame in 1992, a full year ahead of schedule, with a bachelor’s degree in history. She went on to attain “Double Domer” status in 1997 after earning her Juris Doctorate from the Notre Dame Law School.
The Consummate Professional
Washington juggled finishing her law degree with the start of her professional basketball career, returning to the hardwood as a professional in 1997-98 with the ABL’s Portland Power before spending a two-year stint with the WNBA’s New York Liberty (1998-99) and playing in the WNBA Finals in 1999.
Moving to Houston in 2000, Washington played an instrumental role in leading the Comets to the WNBA title. Her solid season in 2001 with the Comets for Hall of Fame coach Van Chancellor, saw her finish ninth in the WNBA in assists and fourth in steals as Houston earned its fifth consecutive playoff berth. Washington’s started the 2002 campaign in Houston before being traded to the Indiana Fever at the midway point of the season. Washington guided the Fever to their first-ever playoff berth, helping her become the first player in WNBA history to lead three different teams to the postseason. She retired from the WNBA in 2003 as a member of the Fever.
Utilizing her law degree, Washington was a central figure in helping create the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA), serving as the founding president of the WNBPA from 1999 until 2001. She also served as the Executive Vice President of the WNBPA from 2001 until her retirement in 2003. Washington led negotiations for the association’s first collective bargaining agreement as the association’s president, and as the executive vice president was a mainstay in the negotiations for the league’s second collective bargaining agreement, which brought about the first free agency system in women’s professional sports. A native of Flint, Michigan, Washington was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in December 2009.
Serving the Community
Be it on the hardwood, on the golf course, or out on a speaking engagement, Washington is among the most active Penn State coaches in the community. Her annual efforts include Coquese’s Drive for the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, championing the fight against breast cancer for the Penn State Play4Kay game and supporting her team during their many hours of giving back to the Centre region.
One of the first relationships that Washington established in State College was with the Executive Director of the Centre County Women’s Resource Center (now called Centre SAFE), Ann Ard. The relationship grew quickly, with the focus shifting to helping the local non-profit find a way to raise funds and provide resources in the fight against domestic violence. In its 11 years, Coquese’s Drive has raised more than $223,185 to benefit the CCWRC.
While the event has spread nationally, Penn State women’s basketball was and continues to be a trend-setter in spreading awareness for breast cancer research as the first team in the country to wear pink uniforms. Washington has embraced Pink Zone at Penn State and helped it grow into an annual “can’t miss” event for survivors and supporters alike. During her tenure, Washington has seen the program’s Play4Kay game grow in both attendance numbers and funds raised. The 698 survivors at the 2014 game are the most in program history, while the $310,000 raised that year are a benchmark for years to come. Lady Lion basketball and Pink Zone have distributed more than $2 million since the partnership began in 2007.
Along with her community involvement, Washington has appointed Miriam Powell as the Director of Community Outreach for the Lady Lion program. Powell has been charged with creating powerful and impactful relationships for the women’s basketball program within the Penn State and surrounding communities, through service and volunteerism. This role was created by Washington to make sure the Lady Lions are serving those who spend much of their own time supporting Lady Lion Basketball on the floor and in the classroom.
The Personal Side
Washington and her husband, Raynell Brown, have a son, Quenton (13), and a daughter, Rhaiyna (9). Raynell is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Penn State Law School and is a former partner at Hicks & Brown Sports Agency, where he represented athletes in the NFL, FIBA, NBA and WNBA. They reside in Port Matilda.