Scott McClurg/Journal-World PhotoLynette Woodard has accomplished more in her basketball career than many dream about.
Yet Woodard, sometimes referred to as the Michael Jordan of the women’s game, is preparing for one more challenge — coaching.
“This is not the way that I wanted to become a head coach, but this is what we have and here we are,” said Woodard, who was named Kansas University’s interim head coach Thursday when legendary KU coach Marian Washington announced she would take an indefinite leave of absence because of undisclosed medical reasons.
Woodard, a four-time Kodak All-American during her playing career at KU from 1977-81, is the all-time collegiate scoring leader with 3,649 points (Kansan Jackie Stiles is the NCAA’s top scorer, but the NCAA wasn’t a sanctioned organization when Woodard played).
Woodard captained the U.S. Olympic gold-medal-winning team in 1984, and became the first female member of the Harlem Globetrotters.
“I feel very honored and very privileged that, first of all, (KU athletic director) Lew Perkins has the confidence in me to hand the reins over and allow me this great opportunity,” said Woodard, who has been an assistant coach for the Jayhawks the past five seasons.
“I think first and foremost I want to carry on the tradition and the hard work ethic that coach Washington established here at the University of Kansas for the past 31 years.
“Our No. 1 concern now is to make sure that she is fine, and I have the responsibility now of going out and helping the team stay pumped up and helping us get ready for the remaining games this season.”
While Woodard said the Jayhawks (8-9 overall, 1-5 Big 12 Conference) would dedicate the rest of this season to coach Washington, she wasn’t sure how long her mentor would stay away.
“I just have to go at it day-by-day,” said Woodard, a Wichita native who played more than 20 years in professional basketball leagues worldwide. “I woke up this morning and I was the assistant coach. I have been questioned many times as to when I would become the head coach. Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed that it would have happened this way, nor this day.”
Despite Woodard’s close relationship with Washington, she said none of the assistant coaches or players knew of Washington’s condition before she addressed the team Thursday after consulting with Perkins.
“It was a complete shock to me,” Woodard said. “I think they (players) are as shocked as we are. They worked really hard today in practice, and we have a game coming up this weekend and a short time to prepare, so I think they are doing as well as can be expected.”
When questioned whether she thought Washington would coach again this season, Woodard said simply, “yes.”
“We are going to get through this,” Woodard said.
KU coach Washington to take medical leave
6News video: Coach Washington takes leave of absence
Hear Marian and Lynette: Jan. 29 press conferences
See the photos: Washington and Woodard