Penn State names Washington women’s basketball coach

Washington, the fifth head coach in the history of the program, will replace Renee Portland. She resigned last month after a 27-year tenure, amid allegations by a former player that Portland discriminated against her on the basis of her race and perceived sexual orientation.

Portland led the Lady Lions to a 15-16 record this past season and compiled a 606-236 overall record.

Washington recently completed her second season as the associate head coach of Notre Dame after six seasons as an assistant coach under Muffet McGraw. The Fighting Irish amassed a 188-69 record during Washington’s eight seasons on the bench and appeared in the NCAA Tournament eight times, including four Sweet 16 runs.

"Penn State is very fortunate to have landed a rising star in the coaching ranks," said Penn State athletic director Tim Curley. "We are thrilled to have Coquese taking over the leadership of the women’s basketball program. Coquese has competed and coached at the highest level of both college and professional basketball. She is an outstanding coach and recruiter who has developed highly-accomplished student-athletes and been instrumental in winning a national championship."

Washington graduated from Notre Dame in 1992 and was a four-year starting point guard under McGraw. After earning her law degree in 1997, she played for the Portland Power of the American Basketball League and for the New York Liberty, Houston Comets and Indiana Fever of the WNBA.

"I am excited to here. It is an awesome opportunity to come into a program that has such a rich tradition," Washington said. "I believe all of the tools are in place for this program to continue to be successful."

Washington helped the Comets to the WNBA title in the 2000 season and was an assistant coach when Notre Dame won the NCAA crown in 2001. She was also hailed as one of the top recruiters in the country, helping the Irish to secure eight consecutive Top 25 recruiting classes.

The Flint, Michigan native also helped to create the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) and served as the founding president of the WNBPA from 1999-2001.