While Henderson’s departure left questions about the program, the hire of a proven winner — Stone — sets the Bears up for an intriguing 2024-25 season.

“I just want the athletic department to listen,” said a former player. “It sends a really strong message to the rest of the people who are on the team that people are going through stuff, leaving, and nothing is going to change.” 

Riding sharp shooting and strong performances from their centerpieces, the Bears improved to 12-8 on the season. 

By tapping into the trust they have for each other off the court, Randi and Duez Henderson have been able to make difficult choices without sacrificing their love for one another.

Individual players have been limited to masked shooting and non-contact practices, and it is still uncertain whether men’s or women’s basketball will be able to practice with contact, yet alone play against other teams.

In coach Randi Henderson’s first weekend, Wash. U. women’s basketball steamrolled Luther College before going ice-cold vs. Wisconsin Lutheran College.

This March, when Nancy Fahey announced her move to the University of Illinois, Washington University was faced with finding a new women’s basketball head coach for the first time since 1986. This Monday, the University announced that this search was over, unveiling Randi Henderson as just the third head coach in the history of the women’s basketball program.