Marian Washington’s retirement assured at least one thing: Lynette Woodard will coach Kansas University’s women’s basketball team for the remainder of the season.

But Woodard stressed she wasn’t thinking beyond that. Next year is next year.

“I’m not even going to think about that right now,” Woodard said following Saturday’s 65-61 loss to Nebraska in Allen Fieldhouse. “I know this administration cares about the program, and that’s all that matters to me.”

Woodard, an All-American as a player under Washington, was in a reflective mood following the narrow defeat in the Jayhawks’ home finale.

“A legacy has come to an end,” she said about Washington, her former coach and boss. “She has to take care of herself. That is what we have to understand.”

Woodard, who was in her fifth year as a Washington aide, was appointed interim coach Jan. 29 when the longtime head coach took an indefinite leave of absence for undisclosed medical reasons. A month later, that leave became permanent.

“She’s been a great coach, mentor and a great friend,” Woodard said. “To learn the value of education and take advantage of all the opportunities given to me as a player and to just grow in life, she really had a tremendous hand in it.”

Woodard called Washington a positive, motivating force in her life.

“To see the love that she gives other people and her giving spirit, I’ve watched her and I saw the truth from that,” Woodard said. “As an athlete, you can be very selfish, but the key to living is giving. I’m glad I learned that valuable lesson from her. It has made my life a total blessing every day.”