UPSHOT LEAGUE, the New Women’s Professional Basketball League, Unveils GREENSBORO GROOVE
The UPSHOT League, the anticipated, community-driven women’s professional basketball league, has unveiled the GREENSBORO GROOVE as the official name and identity for its Greensboro, NC Franchise. In addition, the GROOVE proudly announce, Janice M. Washington as the first Head Coach in franchise history. The announcements were made today by Co-founders, Andy Kaufmann of Zawyer Sports and Donna Orender, Commissioner of the UPSHOT League and former president of the WNBA.
In the name GROOVE, the team embraces the smooth vibe of a city stitched together by hustle, heart and heritage. The name embraces a rhythm of the south that speaks to hard work and artistry. Illustrated by a word mark and vibration, the shield’s colors are cool green and new blue.
“These are amazing foundational days for our league,” said Orender. “The meteoric growth in women’s sports is an unprecedented win for businesses, brands, fans and communities. We celebrate the vibe, people, and culture of Greensboro along with the warm welcome they are giving our team. Janice Washington brings decades of coaching experience. She understands this moment and the movement for women’s professional sports. She will be a fantastic leader for the Groove in Greensboro.”
Janice M. Washington brings nearly 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, having led Lincoln University (PA) as Head Women’s Basketball Coach for the past four seasons. Washington’s teams won back-to-back CIAA North Division Titles in 2022 and 2023, with Lincoln University’s 21-22 team making their first ever NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament appearance. Washington coached seven All CIAA Team Selections, the 2022 CIAA Player of the Year, the 2023 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and over 20 CIAA All-Academic Team selections. Washington was named the NSMA “Big House” Gaines National Division II Coach of the Year in 2022 and the CIAA Coach of the Year in 2023. Prior to Lincoln, Washington was the Head Coach at Daytona State College from 2016-21 where she coached 25 All Mid-Florida Conference Selections, 1 Mid-Florida Conference Player of the Year, 7 All State/Region VIII Selections, 1 NJCAA All-American, 29 Mid-Florida Conference Scholar Athletes, 16 All State/Region VIII Scholar Athletes, and 5 Academic All-Americans. She also spent nine years as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Campbell University.
As a player, Washington finished her career as Campbell's leader in games played with 119 career games, with 114 starts. She ranked third in school history for total steals and assists at the time. Washington finished her career as one of the top five leaders for the Atlantic Sun Conference in total assists (572) and ranked tenth in total steals (256).
“The league is going to excite, engage and energize the fans and community of Greensboro,” said Washington. “The UPSHOT League’s arrival is right on time! As women’s basketball continues to explode, so too does the need to provide avenues to empower young female athletes, along with their coaches, with these opportunities for UPward trajectory. By providing this phenomenal opportunity for us to continue to grow the game and grow IN the game of women’s basketball, the UPSHOT League has certainly upped the ante.”
The UPSHOT League will tip-off in May of 2026. Details on the Groove’s jersey unveiling and first player signing will be revealed in the coming months. Season ticket options start at $44 per seat, inspired by on the 44 players the UPSHOT League will list in this inaugural season. For more information, please head to Groove.UPSHOTleague.com.
THE UPSHOT LEAGUE - The UPSHOT League, a professional women’s basketball league, tips off in May 2026. Led by former WNBA president and Generation W founder, Donna Orender, UPSHOT tips off its inaugural season with franchises in Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Greensboro, NC; and Charlotte, NC. This next platform in the increasingly popular, women’s professional sports space, is built on a culture of opportunity, connection and community through quality and engaging experience.