Benedict College honors legacy of Willie Washington after decades of service to HBCU athletics
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Washington helped transform the school’s athletics program while mentoring generations of students and coaches.
Benedict College is mourning longtime athletic director and former men’s basketball coach Willie Washington, who died Monday at age 79 after more than 38 years of service to the Columbia, South Carolina, HBCU.
Benedict College announced Washington’s death Tuesday, calling him a legendary leader, coach and mentor whose work helped shape Tiger Athletics. The school did not disclose a cause of death.
Washington arrived at Benedict in 1988 as head men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director after 12 years at nearby Allen University. He later became the Tigers’ full-time athletic director after spending roughly a decade handling both roles.
Under Washington’s leadership, Benedict expanded its athletics program, restored football in 1995 and developed Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. The school credits his tenure with 50 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and 10 SIAC Commissioner’s Cup trophies.
Washington also built a winning record on the basketball court. Benedict says his teams never posted a losing season, won nine straight Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and reached the NAIA national tournament four times during the 1990s. He surpassed 200 career wins during the 1997-98 season.
The Willie Washington passing also prompted tributes to his influence beyond wins and facilities. Benedict said generations of student-athletes, coaches, colleagues and alumni were shaped by his belief that athletics and education could build character and create opportunities.
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 in recognition of his impact on college athletics.
Washington’s tenure spanned Benedict’s transition from the NAIA back to NCAA Division II competition in the SIAC. He also served on NCAA committees and was named the 1999 NAIA Southeast Region Athletic Director of the Year.
Benedict extended condolences to Washington’s wife, children, grandchildren and other loved ones. The college said his legacy would remain part of the institution even as the campus mourns his loss.