Former ODU Women’s Basketball Coach Nikki McCray-Penson Dies at 51

On July 7th, 2023, the basketball world was saddened to learn of the passing of former Old Dominion University women’s basketball head coach and two-time Olympic gold medalist Nikki McCray-Penson. She was 51 years old.

According to ODU Sports, McCray-Penson died after a battle with cancer. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and had taken a leave of absence as head coach at Mississippi State University to undergo treatment.

McCray-Penson was a standout player at the University of Tennessee, where she won two national championships and was named the SEC Player of the Year three times. She went on to play professionally in the WNBA, where she was a two-time All-Star.

After retiring from playing, McCray-Penson began her coaching career, first as an assistant at Western Kentucky University and then as the head coach at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. In 2017, she was named the head coach at Old Dominion University, where she coached for two seasons before taking the head coaching job at Mississippi State University.

Legacy and Impact

McCray-Penson was known for her success on the court and her impact off the court. She was a mentor and role model to many young athletes, and her dedication to basketball inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.

According to ESPN, McCray-Penson was a female basketball trailblazer, both as a player and a coach. She was a fierce competitor and a passionate advocate for the sport, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players.

In a statement, Mississippi State University Athletic Director John Cohen praised McCray-Penson for her impact on the university and the sport of basketball.

“Nikki McCray-Penson was a transformational leader who profoundly impacted Mississippi State University and the sport of women’s basketball,” Cohen said. “She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”

Remembering McCray-Penson

McCray-Penson’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the basketball community. Former teammates, players, and colleagues have taken to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to her legacy.

“Rest in peace to a true legend,” wrote WNBA star Candace Parker on Twitter. “Nikki McCray-Penson was a fierce competitor, a great coach, and an even better person. She will be missed.”

In a statement, the University of Tennessee women’s basketball program remembered McCray-Penson as a “true Lady Vol legend.”

“Nikki McCray-Penson embodied everything that it means to be a Lady Vol,” the statement read. “Her passion, drive, and love for basketball inspired everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed.”

McCray-Penson’s impact on the game of basketball and the lives of those she touched will continue to be felt for years. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire, uplift, and bring people together.