degree in Education Administration in the evenings at Columbia College,” Wrye-Washington said. “She told me that the job at Westminster College It was then that Wrye-Washington discovered coaching–or rather, coaching found her.
“I didn’t immediately respond, but the athletic director called me at home and asked if I would just drive to Fulton for an interview and see campus,” Wrye-Washington said. “I agreed and was soon named the head basketball and head volleyball coach.” Wrye-Washington juggled a number of roles at Westminster College, adding Senior Women’s Administrator to her resume as well. In the spring of 2000, the former Columbia College star found herself back at her alma mater, taking over duties as the school’s head volleyball coach. According to Wrye-Washington, taking the reins from the Krek- lows was no small task.
“The pressure on me was enormous in 2000 to maintain what they had established,” Wrye-Washington said. “I recruited like crazy through local high school powerhouse programs in Missouri and contacts in South America from returning players, as well as junior college coaches.” But as with every other athletic activity in her life, Wrye-Wash- ington not only persevered, she excelled. In just her second year at the helm of the program, she led the Cougars to an undefeated 2001
Over her next 19 years at Columbia College, Wrye-Washington amassed 19 consecutive NAIA national tournament appearances, two national titles and three NAIA National Coach of the Year awards. After leaving Columbia College, Wrye-Washington went full circle by heading back to Eldon to serve as teacher, volleyball coach and co-ath- letic director at the high school before moving on to take a leadership position as the senior director of programming at Special Olympics. In 2023, she joined Stephens College as assistant athletic direc- tor, and this past April she was named associate vice president and athletic director at the school. If Wrye-Washington’s lifetime track record is any indicator of what’s to come, everyone at Stephens should be ready to enjoy a hugely successful ride.
Show-Me Sports /// 49
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