Hall of Fame
IU South Bend alumna inducted into 2024 class
She never played basketball at IU South Bend – because there was no women’s team at the time – but alum Marilyn Coddens (B.S. ’76, MS.Ed. ’78) has now been recognized for her contribution to the sport.
Coddens was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in April after a coaching career that racked up impressive stats with a 245-75 record. She coached at Washington High School from 1994-2008 and won five Northern Indiana Conference titles, six sectional championships, three regional titles, three semi-state titles, and one state championship.
“I got interested because my husband was a coach, and it was such a big part of our lives that we just ate, breathed and slept basketball. It was just a great fit for me when I could get involved as a coach,” she said.
Coddens said she is humbled by this recent honor and eagerly shares her success with others who have been part of her journey.
“Coaching is not a one-person show. There were many great assistants, volunteers and parents,” she said. “My players are the ones who got it done. They were gracious winners and even more gracious losers and that’s what is important.”
Her opportunity to get involved with basketball came through her job as a math teacher after graduation from IU South Bend. She was offered opportunities to coach elementary and junior high boys, then junior high girls, JV girls and finally the girls varsity team at Washington.
“I owe many thanks to the professors at IUSB. They were the ones who helped me determine my direction. They were such great teachers.”
While she didn’t have a campus life outside of classes because she was raising a family, Coddens understands what a great opportunity a college education and sports can be for students.
“It’s incredible. Because of the opportunities they’re getting – basketball especially – it’s giving them an opportunity for a career. Sports will open doors for them in whatever career they decide to pursue,” she said.
While active participation on the court is now in her past, she still enjoys watching local teams achieve success – like the Titan women’s amazing season. She hopes young women in the sport have the same support system she had.
“I grew up in basketball with people helping me to grow. I can close my eyes and I can picture beside me all the people that were along for the journey.”