Nikki McCray-Penson, an accomplished and highly-regarded basketball player, tragically passed away at the age of 51. She was a prominent member of the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a three-time W.N.B.A. All-Star.
Rutgers University, where McCray-Penson served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team, announced her untimely demise. The university did not disclose the cause or location of her death. It is important to note that McCray-Penson had been battling breast cancer since 2013.
Dawn Staley, the women’s basketball coach at the University of South Carolina, expressed her grief on Twitter, referring to McCray-Penson as her sister and friend. McCray-Penson previously worked as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina for nine years.
During her time at the University of Tennessee, McCray-Penson established herself as a formidable player, earning two All-American titles and three All-Southeastern Conference honors. She played a key role in leading the Lady Vols to three consecutive regular-season conference championships and two conference tournament titles.
McCray-Penson initially gained recognition as a defensive specialist but managed to evolve into an offensive force. Her legendary coach, Pat Summitt, praised her growth and versatility, commending her determination to develop a well-rounded game.
Sally Jenkins, a sports columnist and collaborator of Summitt, described the special bond between McCray-Penson and her coach. Summitt was particularly delighted whenever McCray-Penson visited, highlighting her immense potential and drive.
Following her graduation from Tennessee in 1995, McCray-Penson played a pivotal role in the U.S. basketball team’s success at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where they secured the gold medal. She showcased her skills in scoring and defense throughout the tournament.
McCray-Penson embarked on her professional career with the Columbus Quest in the American Basketball League. Her exceptional performance led the team to a league championship in 1997, earning her the title of Most Valuable Player. She eventually transitioned to the Women’s National Basketball Association (W.N.B.A.), joining the Washington Mystics, where she achieved notable success and participated in three All-Star games.
After retiring from professional play in 2006, McCray-Penson swiftly transitioned to coaching. She served as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky University before joining the University of South Carolina alongside Dawn Staley. McCray-Penson played an instrumental role in guiding South Carolina to its first N.C.A.A. women’s basketball title in 2017. She later became the head coach at Old Dominion University, leading the team to a Conference USA Coach of the Year accolade.
Despite her remarkable coaching career, McCray-Penson faced health challenges that forced her resignation from Mississippi State University in 2020. She subsequently became an assistant coach at Rutgers University in 2022.
McCray-Penson’s contributions to the sport were recognized with her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. She leaves behind her husband, Thomas Penson, and her son, Thomas, as well as the enduring memory of her courage in the face of breast cancer.
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