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Washington Huskies Women’s Basketball Reportedly Losing Head Coach

By Bret Stuter

Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Mike Neighbors celebrates with players following the game against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women's NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Mike Neighbors celebrates with players following the game against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women's NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a great run of three NCAA Tournaments, Washington Huskies Women’s Basketball team head coach Mike Neighbors expected to step down

The University of Washington Huskies basketball teams have been the tale of two cities. As talent has poured in to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, their trajectory seemed to go in opposite directions. As the men’s basketball team eroded each year, the women’s basketball team improved.

In fact, the team has enjoyed quite a bit of success under head coach Mike Neighbors. It has been a good run. Of the past four seasons the University of Washington Huskies Women’s basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament three times. Twice they made it to the Sweet Sixteen. One time the team made it all the way to the Final Four.

Now, Neighbors believes its time for a new head coach. Per Percy Allen of the Seattle Times, UW WBB head coach Mike Neighbors is the front runner for the head coaching position of the Arkansas Razorbacks. More importantly, he wants to take the job, and go home.

Home Where My Heart’s Escaping

It makes sense in a way. As much as Mike Neighbors loves the idea of going back to his home in Arkansas, he has formed a special bond with Kelsey Plum and Chantel Osahor. Now Plum and Osahor are graduating. In a way, Neighbors has graduated as well.

Neighbors has had a great run, but how do you top this year? After all, Kelsey Plum broke virtually all NCAA scoring records. Chantel Osahor broke rebounding records.  In the end, another season as head coach for Neighbors would be starting over no matter how you look at it.

He is choosing to start over on his terms.  In Arkansas.

While nothing has yet been confirmed, this appears to be a done deal. And so, just weeks after the University of Washington Huskies Men’s Basketball team replaced their head coach, the Huskies must now replicate the process for the Women’s Basketball team.

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And so, the lessons of life keep happening for the student athletes at the University of Washington.  Change happens. Cherish the moment.  Moments cherished become cherished memories.

Next: After Defeating Washington Huskies, Mississippi State Beats UConn Huskies

Thank you Coach Neighbors.

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