William Woods University is proud to announce the hiring of Fulton native Talisha Washington as the next Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Associate Athletic Director for Owls Athletics.
“I’m very excited to announce Talisha Washington as the next head women’s basketball coach at William Woods University.” added Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Brian Speilbauer. “She has a proven history of success, holds deep ties within the community, and will elevate our women’s basketball program to the next level!”
Washington brings nearly two decades of experience in athletics administration, coaching, student-athlete development, and community engagement. She joins William Woods after serving in multiple leadership roles at NCAA DIII Westminster College, including Assistant Athletic Director for Community Outreach & Fan Engagement and Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
At the helm of the Blue Jays, Washington compiled a 108-67 overall record while building one of the most successful programs in the conference. Her teams captured the 2025 Saint Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Regular Season Championship and the 2021 SLIAC Tournament Championship, while making five postseason tournament championship runs. Washington was named SLIAC Coach of the Year in both 2021 and 2025.
Washington demonstrated a strong commitment to student-athlete development throughout her coaching career. She successfully recruited more than 50 student-athletes to Westminster, maintained an average roster size of 22 players, raised more than $80,000 in partnership with the college’s development office, and guided numerous student-athletes to All-Conference and All-Region recognition. Her teams also excelled academically, earning national recognition from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association for maintaining a cumulative team Grade Point Average of 3.7.
Starting in 2022, Washington has served as Westminster’s Assistant Athletic Director for Community Outreach & Fan Engagement, where she helped strengthen relationships between the college and the Fulton community. In this role she coordinated campus engagement initiatives, assisted with department-wide budget oversight, and supported game-day operations for 18 athletic programs. She also served on the institution’s Student Persistence Team and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Prior to her time at Westminster College, Washington served as Executive Administrative Assistant with the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), where she coordinated championship event operations and travel logistics for MSHSAA Championship Tournaments. She also spent 10 years as Program Director at the Callaway County YMCA, overseeing youth programming, summer camps, staff development, and various community wellness initiatives.
“I am honored and excited to serve at William Woods University as Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Associate Athletic Director.” Proclaimed Washington. “I look forward to working with our student-athletes and building on the strong foundation already in place while continuing to advance the mission of our athletic department. I am grateful to Vice President Spielbauer and his team for their trust, support, and leadership throughout this process. I am eager to get to work alongside our student-athletes and staff and help move our programs forward with clear vision, strong collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.”
Washington earned a Master of Education in Athletic Administration from William Woods University in 2016 after completing her bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Westminster College in 2013.
Washington will take over a young Owls team that looks to improve in their second year in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
