September 9, 2024
Locked On Women’s Basketball: Marian E. Washington continues the conversation
By The Next
Washington: 'I really believed that our women's program deserved to be supported'
On the latest episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, host Natalie Heavren captures the second part of her conversation with legendary Kansas women’s basketball coach Marian E. Washington (the first installment aired last Friday). Heavren and Washington pick up where they left off and discuss a range of topics, including Washington’s coaching career, her experience as an administrator at Kansas, and the legacy she hopes she is leaving behind. They also discuss her journey to, and experience at, the 1996 Olympics.
Continue reading with a subscription to The Next
Get unlimited access to women’s basketball coverage and help support our hardworking staff of writers, editors, and photographers by subscribing today.
Already a member?
Login
Want even more women’s sports in your inbox?
Subscribe now to our sister publication The IX and receive our independent women’s sports newsletter six days a week. Learn more about your favorite athletes and teams around the world competing in soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, hockey and gymnastics from our incredible team of writers.
Readers of The Next now save 50% on their subscription to The IX.
Heavren opens the show by asking Washington what kept her motivated to continue coaching after her playing career was over. Washington recalled a trip to South America. “A teammate of mine, Ellen Mosher, we were in the airport,” Washington said. “And we talked about, joked about, one day, you know, when we were not athletes, we would become coaches. Of course, when you’re that young … you don’t think about not being able to play. But we teased each other and said, hey, we’re going to become coaches.” Turns out her predictions were spot-on.
The Next, a 24/7/365 women’s basketball newsroom
The Next: A basketball newsroom brought to you by The IX. 24/7/365 women’s basketball coverage, written, edited and photographed by our young, diverse staff and dedicated to breaking news, analysis, historical deep dives and projections about the game we love.
Later on, Heavren and Washington talked about some of Washington’s early days coaching at Kansas. “I look back and say, I was so happy I was able to do it as a young person,” Washington reflects. “But I’m exhausted just thinking about it today. … It took a lot. But I really believed that our women’s program deserved to be supported.”
Introducing Shelly Bean the Sports Queen!
Did you know that less than 2% of children’s books published each year have a female character who is physically active?
The “Shelly Bean the Sports Queen” series is the perfect inspiration for the children in your life. Action, bright colors and representation in every story! Use code 2024 for 10 percent off!
Heavren and Washington end the show by going back in time to 1996, when Washington went to the Olympics as a coach. Washington remembers finally getting the call in 1995 about going to the Olympic games. “It was Tara [VanDerveer] asking me if I would like to be on her coaching staff. And I thought … after all this time, finally, I am going to be part of an Olympic experience.”
Make sure to subscribe to the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast to keep learning about the WNBA, women’s college basketball, basketball history and much more!
Get 24/7 soccer coverage with The Equalizer
The Next is partnering with The Equalizer to bring more women’s sports stories to your inbox. Subscribers to The Next receive 50% off their subscription to The Equalizer for 24/7 coverage of women’s soccer.
