In the biography of Marian Washington’s life, a majority of the book likely would be spent on her tenure as Kansas University’s women’s basketball coach.

This summer, Washington began a new chapter in her life, however, beyond coaching basketball. Since health concerns caused her to retire this spring, Washington has been searching to discover what her future holds — a future that won’t include patrolling the sideline as KU’s hoops coach. The road to discovery hasn’t painted a clear picture yet as she continues to rest and recuperate following 31 years coaching the Jayhawks.

But she said her mission hasn’t changed.

“I know that I’m going to stay involved with young people somehow,” Washington said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with young people.”

Although she no longer is coaching, basketball continues to play a valuable role in Washington’s life.

In fact, the lobby of Naismith Hall was packed with girls and their parents Sunday afternoon during check-in for Washington’s summer basketball camp.

Washington initially said she wasn’t sure if she would hold a camp this summer, but ultimately opted to do so.

“I enjoy it so much,” she said. “We didn’t have a head start in getting the word out, but people were calling and asking if I was still going to do it. We have a really nice turnout.”

A smile never left Washington’s face as she joined Lynette Woodard in posing for pictures, hugging campers and chatting with old friends. Then she and about 150 campers headed to Allen Fieldhouse to hoop it up, and it was back to business as usual.

Marian Washington welcomes players to her basketball camp. About 150 girls attended the first day of the former Kansas University coach's camp Sunday at Allen Fieldhouse.

The opportunity to be around young prospective basketball players again seemed to return Washington to her comfort zone. Her face showed no signs of the stress that wore on her heavily during the last four years — all losing seasons. The sleepless nights on the recruiting trail were no more.

Washington has spent the last five months resting, traveling, visiting with family, spending time with her mother, and focusing on her spiritual life. Her health is improving, she said, and as it continues to do so, life and basketball are becoming more enjoyable again.

“Everything is coming along,” she said. “I’m just trying to rest. It’s been 31 years of pushing hard, and now I’m doing good. I’m just trying to learn how to take care of myself, and every day it gets better. I’ve had so many people call or stop me and give me a lot of love. It’s been very good.”

This weekend’s camp isn’t Washington’s first return to basketball since her retirement. She ran another camp three weeks ago that had about 75 campers. Then her family and 22 former players joined her in Knoxville, Tenn., where she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame on June 12.

Former Kansas University interim women's basketball coach, assistant coach and All-America player Lynette Woodard talks to campers.

“I was so nervous, and I thought, ‘I don’t need this,'” she said of the induction. “But it was the one time that I found myself able to stop and reflect. I have really had the opportunity to start reflecting a little bit, and I’m so thankful that I’ve had a chance to be a part of something that got off the ground here. The fact that I’ve had a lot of people respond with a lot of love tells me that I did a few things right.”

After reflecting on her past — which included 560 victories, 11 NCAA Tournament appearances and helping so many women graduate from college — Washington said she was eager to see what was in store for her next. She said she still needed to rest and finish restoring her health, but she said she knows she still has more to offer.

“Whatever I do, it’s going to be a step up,” she said. “Truly, I know my purpose in life is to touch people, and I will continue to do that. The arena may change, and it may be bigger, but I feel very, very good right now.

“Somebody asked me if I’m going to get back into coaching one day. You never know. I’ve just got to get rested up and then I’ll figure that out.”