Former Tennessee Lady Vols basketball star Nikki McCray-Penson, known for her exceptional career as a three-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has tragically passed away at the age of 51. McCray-Penson had been battling cancer and pneumonia at the time of her death, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements both on and off the court.
McCray-Penson’s passing has deeply saddened the basketball community, with South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, her former Olympic teammate, expressing her heartbreak over losing a shining light to cancer. Multiple sources from the USA TODAY Sports Network confirmed that McCray-Penson had also been battling pneumonia alongside her cancer.
Reflecting on McCray-Penson’s life, Staley stated, “It’s hard to think about Nikki’s passing because all I can see is how fully she lived.” Staley praised her friend and colleague for her dedication to mentoring young players and emphasized that McCray-Penson’s genuine care for others always shone through in her actions and interactions. She possessed an undeniable presence, radiating positivity and warmth in any situation.
McCray-Penson previously battled breast cancer in 2013. In 2021, she resigned from her position as head coach at Mississippi State less than a month before the start of her second season, citing health concerns she had hoped were behind her. In an interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel in 2022, she clarified that her resignation was not due to her previous cancer battle, but rather stemmed from mental and personal health concerns exacerbated by the mental strain of the COVID-19 pandemic on herself, her staff, and her players.
Sam Purcell, the coach of Mississippi State, expressed his sorrow over McCray-Penson’s passing, acknowledging her exceptional coaching abilities and her role as a leader of women. He also highlighted her devotion as a loving mother and wife, assuring her family of their continued presence in their hearts and prayers.
McCray-Penson achieved great success during her college career, notably at Tennessee, where she was a two-time SEC Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995. She led Tennessee to three SEC regular-season championships, two SEC Tournament titles, and a Final Four appearance in 1995. McCray-Penson’s remarkable achievements earned her recognition as a two-time All-American and induction into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
Tennessee coach Kellie Harper expressed her broken heart over the loss of a beloved Lady Vol. Harper extended her condolences to McCray-Penson’s family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging her bright and loving personality that touched the lives of everyone she encountered. McCray-Penson’s kind and genuine spirit will be deeply missed.
After her playing career, McCray-Penson embarked on a coaching journey that spanned 16 years. In 2012, she was honored with induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Her coaching career began in 2006 at Western Kentucky, where she spent two seasons before joining South Carolina as an assistant coach under Staley. During her tenure at South Carolina from 2008 to 2017, she played a crucial role in guiding the Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship in her final season. McCray-Penson went on to coach at Old Dominion (2017-2020), Mississippi State (2020-2021), and served as an assistant coach at Rutgers last season.
McCray-Penson’s head coaching record includes a 10-9 season at Mississippi State and a 53-39 tenure at Old Dominion. Her impact extended beyond coaching, as evidenced by the heartfelt tribute from Tennessee senior forward Rickea Jackson, who described McCray-Penson as one of the most beautiful souls she had ever met. Jackson expressed her gratitude for McCray-Penson’s understanding during challenging times, highlighting her unwavering support. McCray-Penson’s fighting spirit will forever be cherished, and she will be dearly missed.
Staley and McCray-Penson were teammates on the iconic 1996 U.S. Olympic team, a significant milestone that led to the establishment of the WNBA. McCray-Penson’s recent appearance in the ESPN 30-for-30 documentary about the 1996 team underscored her enduring impact on the sport. She returned to Team USA in 2000, securing yet another Olympic gold medal to add to her illustrious career.
During her nine seasons in the WNBA, McCray-Penson displayed her exceptional skills and earned three All-Star selections. Throughout her career, she scored an impressive 2,550 points, averaging 14.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. McCray-Penson also had a successful stint in the ABL before the WNBA’s inception, where she won the league MVP and an ABL championship with the Columbus Quest.
Coquese Washington, McCray-Penson’s former teammate with the Indiana Fever, paid tribute to her devotion to uplifting others and helping them achieve their dreams and goals. Washington emphasized McCray-Penson’s unwavering dedication to her husband and son while wholeheartedly investing in the growth of those around her. The memory of McCray-Penson will endure in the hearts of those who knew her.
In honor of McCray-Penson’s outstanding contributions to the world of basketball, her remarkable achievements will forever be celebrated. Her impact on and off the court, along with her indomitable spirit, will continue to inspire future generations.
