Marian Washington

While most people know that Marian Washington is the winningest women’s basketball coach in KU history, many are unaware of the pivotal role she played in the development of women’s athletics at KU in the 1970s. She was appointed Women’s Athletic Director after the passage of Title IX, and was also the coach for the women's cross country and track and field teams in 1973-1974. Throughout her years as the athletic director, Washington fought for additional funding and support of women’s athletics.

Marian Washington’s many accolades include: winning the WNIT as a player in 1969, being the first African American on the US National team, US Track and Field Federation champion and discuss record holder in 1972 and 1973, two-time Big 8 Coach of the Year (1996-1997), winningest coach in KU’s women’s basketball history, 1996 William I. Koch Outstanding Kansas Woman of the Year, and Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame member.

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Photograph of Marian Washington after her appointment as the Director of Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics at KU, 1974.

News release announcing Washington’s appointment as Director of Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics at KU, June 18, 1974.

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Photograph of Coach Washington during a game, 1978.

Article regarding Washington being named the Outstanding Woman, Oread Newsletter, June 18, 1996.

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Photograph of Washington talking to players during a game, February 5, 1996.

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Photograph of Washington holding a piece of net after KU won the Big 8 Conference championship in 1996.

Cover of brochure announcing the schedule for Washington’s 25th year of coaching the women’s basketball team, 1997-1998.

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Article regarding Washington’s fête, Lawrence Journal World, March 23, 1998.

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Photograph of Marian Washington and Chancellor Hemenway after Washington’s 500th career coaching victory, February 20, 1999.

UDK article on Washington’s career as coach of the women’s basketball team, February 11, 2003.