Nikki McCray-Penson, a former All-America college basketball player, WNBA All-Star and collegiate coach, has died, according to several reports. She was 51 years old.
McCray-Penson had been diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2013 while on the coaching staff at South Carolina. However, her cause of death has not been released.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Penson, and their 10-year-old son, Thomas Jr.
Born and raised in Collierville, Tenn., she met stardom while playing for legendary coach Pat Summitt's Tennessee teams in the mid 1990s, earning back-to-back SEC Player of the Year and All-America honors in 1994 and 1995.
After college, she spent a year with the Columbus Quest in the American Basketball League, taking MVP honors in the 1996-97 season.
She joined the WNBA in 1998, the league's second season, and spent three years with the Washington Mystics, where she earned an All-Star title each season. She was also a member of the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky and San Antonio Silver Stars (now in Las Vegas as the Aces).
McCray-Penson also had an international stint, earning gold medals as part of Team USA at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics.
Her time as a point guard ended in 2006, as she switched to life on the other side of the sideline. She coached for Western Kentucky, South Carolina, Old Dominion, Mississippi State and Rutgers in 17 years.
McCray-Penson was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. The hoops community sent numerous tributes to her following the news of her death:
Tributes to Nikki McCray-Penson
We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of former Mystics player Nikki McCray-Penson.
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 7, 2023
A 2x Olympian, Nikki lit up every room she walked in.
We send our deepest condolences to her family. pic.twitter.com/bNp1LYx9Nt
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Fever alum, 3x WNBA All-Star, coach and friend, Nikki McCray-Penson.
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 7, 2023
our thoughts are with her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/gokEW9RFqY
The Las Vegas Aces were saddened to learn today of the passing of Tennessee, ABL, WNBA and Olympic legend Nikki McCray-Penson. A member of the 2005 San Antonio Silver Stars, Nikki was beloved by many as a teammate, coach, mentor, sister, and friend. Her achievements on the… pic.twitter.com/4D59fqQO2u
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) July 7, 2023
We will remember you as a warrior and a friend. Rest easy, dear Nikki McCray-Penson.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 7, 2023
You will be missed 💜 pic.twitter.com/zhHGT6T7rJ
Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the passing of Nikki McCray-Penson. A beloved member of our WNBA family, Nikki was a 3x WNBA All-Star during her 8 seasons in the league.
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 7, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nikki's family and loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/PkCnLiSgNQ
We are deeply saddened by the passing of two-time Olympic gold medalist Nikki McCray-Penson.
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 7, 2023
Our sister & our friend, Nikki was more than a champion.
USA Basketball extends its condolences to the McCray & Penson families in this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/zsI0z0nnnD
Rutgers Community mourns the loss of Women's Basketball Assistant Coach Nikki McCray-Penson ❤️
— Rutgers W.Basketball (@RutgersWBB) July 7, 2023
📰: https://t.co/Q7jeFEoIlj#GoRU | #RUWBB pic.twitter.com/xWi5Joil2Y
Our program, our sport and most importantly her family lost an amazing woman – mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, coach, mentor – today.
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) July 7, 2023
Nikki McCray-Penson was part of our foundation and made us the program we are, one personal relationship at a time 💔 pic.twitter.com/jSRQY9Vnmx
ODU mourns the passing of former head coach Nikki McCray -Penson. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire McCray-Penson family.#ODUSports | #ReignOn | #Monarchshttps://t.co/Gs5SfHYabj
— ODU Women's Basketball (@ODU_WBB) July 7, 2023
Remembering #LVFL Nikki McCray-Penson
— Lady Vols Basketball (@LadyVol_Hoops) July 7, 2023
• 1994 SEC Player of the Year
• 1995 SEC Player of the Year
• 1,572 Career Points as a Lady Vol
• 5x SEC Champion
• 2x All-American
• 3x WNBA All-Star
• 2x Olympic Gold Medalist
• 2012 @WBHOF inductee
A Lady Vol Legend 🧡 pic.twitter.com/sI8vJDNMxR
It is with the heaviest of heart I have to post this…..thank you my little sister, my friend, my foxhole partner, my teammate, my fast food snacker, my basketball junkie, my fellow Olympian, my gold medalist and now my angel. God’s got you now….suffer no more Nik Nik. ❤️deeply pic.twitter.com/3t5LG7nOre
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) July 7, 2023
Heart hurts like crazy over this one! 💔 such a fighter and a warrior with the sweetest gentle soul! Coach McCray you’ve helped me in many many ways and you were a true gift from God! Truly will be missed! No more suffering no more pain! God got a good one 🤍 #oranges pic.twitter.com/zRCu4zXXdv
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) July 7, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Nikki McCray-Penson.
— Sam Purcell (@SamPurcellMSU) July 7, 2023
She was an incredible basketball coach and a true leader of women, but more importantly, she was a loving Mother and Wife.
Nikki and her family will continue to be in our hearts & in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/UAsN7g3b90
The Town is saddened to hear about the passing of Nikki McCray-Penson. Nikki was one of the greatest athletes in the Town’s history who started her basketball career at Collierville High School then became a College All-American, WNBA All-Star, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. pic.twitter.com/4u6ft4CWnW
— Town of Collierville (@ColliervilleGov) July 7, 202