BALTIMORE – Coppin State associate head women's basketball coach Billie Wilson will participate in the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Command Coaches Workshop on August 5-8 in Quantico, Va.
Throughout the week, participants will interact with officer instructors and key leaders and also see firsthand, the process of training and commissioning Marine Officers.
Wilson previously worked for the Department of Defense in Germany. During her time in Germany she worked as the intramurals director. She also served as the director and planner of all of the Army Conference events such as men's and women's basketball, softball, wrestling, boxing and golf. She also played for the army and air force women's basketball teams in Germany.
She continued her service in the USA while working for Walter Reed Army Medical Center. At WRAMC, Wilson coached the men's varsity basketball team, planned a tackle football program and adult NSA athletic leagues as the Assistant Athletic Director in charge of intramurals.
The workshop takes coaches who may have a basic understanding of what the Marine Corps is, and does, and shows them many different aspects of the Marine Corps so they can return to their communities and share their experiences. Additionally, it gives guests an accurate perspective about the Corps, showing them that the Marine Corps is a viable career option for young people with whom they interact daily.
Guests make decisions similar to those a lieutenant would make while attending The Basic School, a six-month long course that introduces Marine Officers to basic combat fundamentals. They then discuss decision making during highly chaotic situations and what it means to be a true leader.
Wilson is involved in every aspect of Coppin State's day-to-day operations. She is the team travel coordinator, community service coordinator and breaks down scouting video of upcoming opponents. She also provides on-court skill development primarily to the post players and assisting with daily practice planning.
During Wilson's time at Coppin State, the Eagles have had five 20-win seasons and a winning record in nine different seasons. Coppin State qualified for postseason play in five consecutive years: three NCAA Tournament appearances (2005, 2006 and 2008) and two berths in the WNIT (2007 and 2009). The Eagles have won three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season crowns and had a then-conference record 49-game winning streak against MEAC foes from 2005-2007.
Additionally, during Wilson's tenure a Coppin State player has been named the MEAC Player of the Year on five occasions.
“I am excited about participating in this workshop,” Wilson said. “During my 11 years of working with the Department of Defense, I saw the pride in leadership through athletics. Supporting all things that the military does means a lot to me and I am honored to be selected for this program. Working with the Marines will be a new experience. I am also looking forward to interacting with coaches from all over the country as well as those who train the Marine Officers.”