The Penn Stater Magazine

Coquese Washington on Women’s College Players Leaving Early for the Pros

June 19, 2009 at 5:15 pm Ryan Jones Leave a comment

Lady Lion basketball coach Coquese Washington has only been a head coach for two years, but that doesn’t mean she’s not an expert on some big stories in the women’s college game. Washington’s unique resume — a standout player at Notre Dame, she went on to a professional playing career in the WNBA before getting into coaching — made her a perfect source on one of the big offseason stories in the women’s game: Rutgers junior Epiphanny Prince leaving school early to play professionally in Europe. When USA Today went looking for perspective on Prince’s story, Washington, the rare NCAA coach with pro playing experience, was an obvious choice.

The good news for Lady Lion fans: Washington’s high-level playing experience appeals to the kids she’s recruiting, too — especially the ones good enough to have their own dreams of playing pro ball. Look for that fact to start having an impact on the court soon.

Ryan Jones, senior editor

Entry filed under: Lady Lion basketball. Tags: Coquese Washington, Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers, USA Today.