Kansas women’s basketball coach retires

"I am retiring from coaching to address health issues that are not life- threatening, but that need my immediate attention," Washington said. "I cannot address these issues and at the same time devote the time it takes to lead a major college basketball program. To try to do that would be unfair to my student-athletes, my coaches and to the University of Kansas."

The decision is effective immediately, a month after she took a medical leave of absence. Lynette Woodard, a former Kansas player, has been serving as interim coach ever since.

Kansas has won seven conference titles and six conference tournament championships under her leadership, and has advanced to 11 NCAA tournaments, twice to the Sweet 16. She has coached four all-Americans and three academic all-Americans.

Washington will be inducted later this year into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

"Over the years I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with many tremendous student-athletes," Washington continued. "They have developed into proud and successful young women, and have represented the University of Kansas with class, both nationally and internationally. I want to thank them all for their support."