The Lions' Pride

Anxious for this presser. Seeing rumors on twitter that an extension is coming her way.

Joyner: "Penn State and Coquese are going to have a long history here together. ... We're just so proud that she's here and that she's continuing her commitment to Penn State."

Washington: "There's been some interest from other universities ... but what many of you may not know is that Dave and I have been talking well before those calls came about my future here at Penn State.

"I love it here at Penn State. I really do. I love what my life is like here. I love what my family's life is like here. This is a tremendous community to raise a family in. The decision to stay here at Penn State, for me, was a simple one."

Washington talking about "community, family, commitment to service. Those ideals in the past five years have done nothing but grow for me."

"I want my future to be about being around people who embrace those ideals in a strong way. And that's what Penn State has shown me in the past five years."

"Someone I respect very well told me you don't run away from fires. You run into fires."

"All the speculation and all the things that were going on the past week did nothing but to make me realize how privileged I am and how blessed I am to be at Penn State University at this time and this moment. And I want to be at Penn State at this time and this moment. ... I look forward to continue doing the work we have to do."

Joyner: "Washington still has a contract." Did not elaborate on whether current terms had been changed.

"She will be well-cared for. We fully intend to keep her here for a long time."

Asked if there will be an announcement of an extension: "We can do that."

Fantastic news! Coach Washington relates well with her players, is a great recruiter, and has been a classy representative of Penn State in her time here. Congrats to her on getting an extension after bringing home her first,of hopefully many, Big Ten Championships.

Washington influenced to stay by team and players and staff.

"They're a fantastic group, they're energized. They want to be great. ... That's my crew and I want to remain with them."

"The second thing was the leadership here at Penn State. From the top down, I feel very strongly that I'm surrounded by driven and passionate people. Being able to work with those people on a day-to-day basis certainly contributed to me wanting to be here for a long time."

Washington confirms she will be on Penn State's upcoming Coaches Caravan.

U run into fires??? what?? Casting us as a fire that needs run into? Poor choice of wwords imo.... psu is not broken.

Joyner: "Coquese is one of the great coaches in the country and one of the great coaches at this university. And she's a great person."

"Having her here for the whole university, not just the basketball program, is so important for what the university's all about."

I get the impression she was explaining why she was having the presser to address the rumors. She wasn't running away from the rumors, but instead chose to address them head on.

Joyner: "It's kind of funny to say she needs my permission (to talk to other schools). She was respectful enough to ask me."

"I said I'm proud of you obviously and I'm not surprised Michigan wants to talk to you. I said 'I hope you go out there and decide not to listen to them.'"