After serving as head coach of the Lincoln (PA) Lions’ women’s basketball team for four seasons, Janice Washington is leaving.
She stepped down from the program to take what the school has described as a professional opportunity.
“This is a bittersweet moment for the university,” said Lincoln Athletic Director Harry Stinson III. “We are losing a dynamic leader, an outstanding coach, and someone who truly continued laying the foundation for our program to thrive and succeed. However, we are excited for this opportunity for Janice. When you do amazing things, you are rewarded with amazing opportunities. We wish Coach Washington the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her contributions to Lincoln University.”
Neither the school nor Washington disclosed where she was headed next.
Washington was hired to take over the Lincoln women’s basketball program in June 2021, becoming the eighth women’s basketball coach in school history.
In her first season at the helm, Washington guided Lincoln to a 22-8 overall record, winning the first of two consecutive division titles.
This success continued in the CIAA Tournament, leading the Lions to their first conference championship in school history after beating Elizabeth City State 67-52 in the title game.
As a result, the Lions also clinch a spot in the Division II National Tournament for the first time ever.
The following year, Washington was named CIAA Coach of the Year after leading Lincoln to consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2016.
Her four-year tenure at Lincoln ends with a 64-50 overall record and a 38-27 mark against the CIAA.