William Woods University has named Talisha Washington as its new Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Associate Athletic Director, a move that underscores the school’s ambition to revitalize its women’s basketball program.
Washington arrives with nearly twenty years of experience spanning coaching, administration, and community outreach. At Westminster College, she steered the women’s team to multiple conference titles while maintaining a reputation for academic excellence among her players.
A Strategic Hire for the Owls Program
Her tenure included two SLIAC Coach of the Year honors, in 2021 and 2025, and she recruited more than fifty student‑athletes who graduated with strong scholarship records. Washington also served as Assistant Athletic Director for Community Outreach & Fan Engagement, where she deepened local ties and expanded fan participation.
Before her collegiate roles, she contributed to the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the Callaway County YMCA, building a foundation in youth sports development. Washington holds a Master of Education in Athletic Administration from William Woods, earned in 2016, which adds a personal connection to the institution she now leads.
The Owls, in their second season within the Heart of America Athletic Conference, are poised for growth under Washington’s guidance. Her blend of competitive drive and scholarly focus aims to elevate both the program’s performance and its student‑athlete experience.