Benedict College is mourning Willie Washington, the longtime HBCU athletic director and former basketball coach whose leadership helped transform Tiger Athletics.
The college announced Washington’s passing in a statement honoring his more than 38 years of service. It did not include a cause of death or funeral arrangements.
Washington joined Benedict in 1988 as head men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director. He eventually stepped away from coaching to focus fully on overseeing the athletic department.
His impact stretched across generations and sports. Benedict credited Washington with helping restore Tiger football, develop Charlie W. Johnson Stadium and build a championship-winning athletic program.
Under his leadership, the Tigers collected 50 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and 10 SIAC Commissioner’s Cup trophies, according to the college.
A basketball foundation that fueled HBCU success
Before helping reshape Benedict, Washington spent 12 years as head basketball coach and athletic director at neighboring Allen University.
He brought that experience across the street and established a winning standard.
According to his official Benedict biography, Washington never had a losing season as the Tigers’ basketball coach. He reached 200 victories during the 1997–98 season and guided Benedict to four NAIA national tournament appearances during the 1990s.
Washington also earned eight Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards.
His responsibilities grew alongside the program. Benedict expanded its athletic offerings from eight to 14 sports, including football’s return, during his leadership.
That growth ultimately required his full attention as athletic director, extending his influence well beyond the basketball court.
For the HBCU, Washington helped connect competitive success with a broader commitment to education and opportunity.
A legacy measured beyond championships
Benedict’s tribute emphasized the people Washington developed throughout his career: student-athletes, coaches, colleagues and alumni.
The college remembered him as a mentor who viewed athletics and education as tools for building character and preparing young people for purposeful lives.
His honors included induction into the Benedict College Hall of Fame and the SIAC Hall of Fame. The conference also established the Willie Washington Athletic Director of the Year Award, attaching his name to leadership across its membership.
Washington’s own educational journey included degrees from two HBCU institutions, Tougaloo College and Jackson State University.
Benedict extended condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones, while recognizing the wider community grieving his loss.
“Benedict College has lost a legendary leader, but his legacy will never be lost,” the college said.