Lady Vols legend, Hall of Famer Nikki McCray-Penson passes away at 51

Former Tennessee Lady Vols basketball star and Olympic gold medalist Nikki McCray-Penson has passed away, it was announced on Friday. She was 51 years old and had battled breast cancer since her diagnosis in 2013.

McCray-Penson was a two-time All-American, two-time SEC Player of the Year and won five SEC Championships during her time with the Tennessee basketball program. She scored 1,572 career points with the Lady Vols and would go on to become a five-time WNBA All-Star, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a 2012 inductee in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of a beloved Lady Vol,” Tennessee coach Kellie Harper said in a statement. “We also offer our love and sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues across the country. Nikki had a bright and loving personality and touched the lives of everyone she met. Her kind and genuine spirit will be missed.”

McCray-Penson was a home-state star for Tennessee Lady Vols

McCray-Penson was a native of Collierville, Tenn., and had returned to coaching at Rutgers last season, where she was an assistant coach. She was previously the head coach at Old Dominion and Mississippi State and was an assistant coach at Georgia Tech, South Carolina and Western Kentucky.

“Nikki had a big smile and an even bigger heart,” Rutgers coach Coquese Washington said in a statement, according to ESPN. “She was full of life, energy, and was so much fun to be around. Nikki touched the lives of many because she made it her mission to uplift others and help them achieve whatever dreams and goals they expressed. She was so devoted to her husband and son, and still gave all of herself to everyone in the program. We will miss her dearly but will keep Nikki’s memory alive in our hearts.”

McCray-Penson graduated from Tennessee in 1995 and started her career playing for Pat Summitt in 1991. She played in 127 games with the Lady Vols, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds during her standout career. She averaged 16.3 points as a junior and 15.2 as a senior and ranks 19th on the program’s all-time scoring list. 

She led Tennessee to three straight SEC regular-season championships and two SEC Tournament titles. The Lady Vols went 122-11 overall and 43-1 in SEC play during McCray-Penson’s career.

McCray-Penson spent nine seasons starring in the WNBA

In the WNBA from 1998-2006, McCray-Penson played for the Washington Mystics, Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Stars and Chicago Sky. She averaged 10.1 points and shot 41.4 percent from the field in 25.5 minutes per game during her 252 career games in the league.

“Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the passing of Nikki McCray-Penson,” the WNBA said in a statement. “A beloved member of our WNBA family, Nikki was a three-time WNBA All-Star during her eight seasons in the league. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nikki’s family and loved ones at this time.”

Lady Vols forward Rickea Jackson, who played for McCray-Penson at Mississippi State, said in a statement that her heart “is so heavy.”

“One of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met,” Jackson said. “The one who genuinely went out their way to understand me when I was so misunderstood. The one who was always there. You fought so long and hard, and I am so grateful to have known you. I love you. Rest easy.”