Beyond the Box Score: Marley Washenitz’s True Impact on ASU Women’s Basketball
Photo by Sun Devils Media Team
Marley Washenitz has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in Arizona State women’s basketball, thanks to her poise under pressure and a viral moment that etched her name into Sun Devil lore. Many fans first discovered the 5’7″ senior guard from Fairmont, West Virginia, on November 22, 2025, when she delivered an improbable game-winning no-look buzzer-beater three-pointer against UNLV. With the shot clock and game clock expiring and the ball slipping away near the baseline—her back to the basket—Washenitz saved it from going out of bounds, spun, and flung a left-handed prayer off the glass that banked in for a dramatic 56-53 victory. Dubbed the “Hail Marley,” the shot rocketed to No. 1 on SportsCenter’s Top 10, helped ASU improve to 5-0 (their best start since 2002-03), and showcased the veteran composure she brings to a revamped squad under head coach Molly Miller.
Washenitz arrived at ASU as a transfer after four seasons at Pittsburgh, where she developed into a reliable starter and defensive standout. At Pitt, she played in over 90 games, starting most as a junior in 2024-25 with 9.3 points, 2.7 assists, and a team-leading 2.3 steals per game across 32 contests. Her college journey began modestly as a freshman in 2022-23 but grew steadily, culminating in consistent double-figure scoring outings and lockdown perimeter defense. That experience has translated seamlessly to Tempe, where she’s emerged as a glue player in Miller’s hard-nosed, chaos-creating system, emphasizing toughness, steals, and team identity.
In the 2025-26 season, Washenitz has averaged 8.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a stellar 2.2 steals per game through 19 appearances, playing nearly 30 minutes nightly while contributing to ASU’s defensive identity. Though her shooting percentages (37.5% FG, 27.8% 3P) reflect a focus on efficiency and playmaking over volume scoring, she’s delivered in key spots; scoring in double figures multiple times early in the year and leading or tying for team-high scoring in select games. Her all-around impact shines in recent outings: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals in a tight 69-68 win at Utah on December 31, and a gritty 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals performance in a 67-51 victory over Kansas on January 17.
Beyond stats, Washenitz’s leadership has been vital for a Sun Devils team that started hot (13-0 to open the year, a program record for consecutive wins to start a season) and now sits at 17-2 overall (4-2 in Big 12 play) and on the NCAA Tournament bubble—projected as one of the “last four in” by experts. In a recent interview ahead of a matchup with Kansas, she stressed flushing tough losses (like a 77-48 defeat to TCU), honing defensive details, and embracing the Big 12’s nightly challenges: “It’s a team sport… you can have one all-star, but it’s the whole team that’s going to win and beat you.” She praised teammates like McKinna Brackens for infectious energy while embodying the veteran presence ASU needs; helping instill a winning culture and defensive brand amid high expectations in a wide-open conference.
Photo by Sun Devils Media Team
Washenitz embodies the intangibles that head coach Molly Miller specifically sought when rebuilding the program: veteran poise, unwavering competitiveness, and a leadership presence that stabilizes a young, revamped roster. Teammates and coaches lean on her to “get back on course” when the team’s identity wavers, as Miller has noted in praising her ability to reset the group through defense and composure. Her defensive grit, feeding off havoc-creating energy, and clutch mentality shine brightest in high-pressure moments. Washenitz’s role in fostering culture is profound; as one of the upperclassmen “wired the same” as Miller’s vision, she helps instill toughness, accountability, and a winning mindset, guiding younger players while embracing the challenge of starting fresh in Tempe. In a season where ASU has surged to a program-best start and fights for NCAA Tournament relevance, her steady hand, team-first approach, and quiet leadership make her far more than numbers suggest: she’s the heartbeat helping transform potential into sustained success.
As ASU pushes for postseason positioning with opportunities against ranked opponents like Baylor and Iowa State, Washenitz’s steady hand, defensive grit, and clutch gene make her indispensable. Her viral heroics against UNLV may have introduced her to a wider audience, but four years of college experience have made her the poised contributor quietly powering the Sun Devils’ resurgence.
— Kris Chaney, Women’s Basketball Journalist, The Best Damn W Show
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