Anthony Grant provides clarity with statement on his daughter's passing
Following the tragic death of his daughter, Jayda, last week, Dayton basketball head coach Anthony Grant released a statement shedding more light on her passing and thanking supporters for their prayers.
“On behalf of my entire family, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for all your prayers, love, kindness, and words of encouragement following the passing of our daughter, sister, and family member,
Jayda Danielle Grant,” Grant wrote.
“Jayda battled with mental health issues over the past 2 years and was in therapy and treatment in the weeks and months prior to her death. As we grieve our beloved Jayda, please know that our faith and your prayers sustain us and give us strength. We encourage all of you to be advocates for your personal mental health and the health of those you love.”
Grant also pledged to advocate for comprehensive mental health care with his wife when the time is appropriate.
Jayda Grant, 20, was a student at Dayton and listed on the track and field roster in 2020 and 2021.
Family, Dayton community grieving death of Jayda Grant
Anthony Grant is entering his sixth season at Dayton after working for the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2017. Before that, he was the head coach at Alabama from 2009 to 2015. He also spent time at VCU before accepting the Alabama job.
In his five years with Dayton, Grant has amassed a 102-52 overall record with the Flyers, including a 62-26 record in A-10 action. This past year, they went 24-11 overall and 14-4 in A-10 action. Dayton missed out on the NCAA Tournament but made their third NIT appearance in four years. The Flyers fell to Vanderbilt 70-68 in overtime in the second round of the tournament.
Atlantic 10 Conference commissioner Bernadette McGlade released a statement offering condolences to the Grant family.
“On behalf of the Atlantic 10 Conference, I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Coach Grant, Chris and their family,” McGlade said. “Their beautiful Jayda left this Earth far too prematurely for us to comprehend. The A-10 extends unlimited support and strength to the Grants and the University of Dayton family.”