UNIVERSITY PARK - Coquese Washington knew the time was right to take the next step and run her own team.
"It is kind of like when you decide to become a parent," said Washington, a former Notre Dame associate women's basketball coach who was introduced Monday as Penn State head women's coach. "It just kind of happens, and you deal with it.
"I felt I was prepared for the challenges of becoming a head coach because of the great head coach I have worked for (Muffet McGraw) and the other coaches and players I have worked with. But it also was about finding the right match. And I found that right here at Penn State."
Washington signed a five-year contact, terms of which weren't released.
She replaces Rene Portland, who resigned last month after 27 seasons.
Just like being a first-time mother, Washington says she has some things to learn. She met with her new players Sunday.
Washington, a mother of a 2-year old son, Quenton, with husband Raynell Brown, has the credentials to do the job, said McGraw, Notre Dame's women's coach.
"I am so proud and happy for her," McGraw said. "She has been with me so long, as a player and as an assistant, that it is hard to let her go. I feel like a mom when your daughter leaves the house. It's hard, but this is a great opportunity for her to take the next step."
Penn State president Graham Spanier and athletic director Tim Curley are pleased with the hire.
"Penn State is fortunate to have landed a rising star in the coaching ranks," said Curley, who contacted McGraw about a week ago. "She has excelled as a student-athlete at Notre Dame, as a professional player and as an assistant coach at one of the elite programs in the country. We think we have hit the jackpot in bringing her to Penn State."
Washington is the first African-American female head coach in any sport at Penn State.
She said it felt right the minute she stepped on campus, despite taking over a program that faced several off-the-court issues under the controversial Portland.
"My philosophy is to make this a positive experience for all the student-athletes," she said. "I want them to grow as people.
"Every program faces challenges when a new coach comes in. I am here to embrace the tradition of this program and add to that tradition. I hope to bring my style of play to this program and to just be me. I know there are probably things I will do differently than Coach Portland. We are two different people."
Penn State senior Kamela Gissendanner was on the coaching search committee. She will be playing for her third college coach, after transferring from North Carolina State following her freshman season.
"We are ready to move on," Gissendanner said. "Having a new coach is nothing knew to me. We just want to build on the tradition of Lady Lion basketball. This is an exciting time."
Penn State sophomore point guard Brianne O'Rourke, an Oakland Catholic graduate, is looking forward to working with Washington.
"She played point guard, so I was excited when I heard that," O'Rourke said. "We are excited about the future. We are starting new."
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