The basketball world mourns the loss of Nikki McCray-Penson, a celebrated figure in women's basketball, who passed away on Friday at the age of 51. McCray-Penson's impact on the sport spanned decades, from her stellar playing career to her influential coaching roles.

At the time of her passing, McCray-Penson served as an assistant coach for the Rutgers women's basketball program. However, her coaching journey included a significant period alongside Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina, culminating in a national championship victory in 2017.

McCray-Penson's playing career shone brightly at the University of Tennessee, where she earned two SEC Player of the Year awards. Her professional career included nine seasons in the WNBA, marked by three All-Star selections and Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2000. Following her retirement as a player in 2006, she transitioned seamlessly into coaching, starting as an assistant at Western Kentucky before joining South Carolina.

McCray-Penson's head coaching experience included a stint at Old Dominion, where she received the C-USA Coach of the Year award in 2020, and a season at Mississippi State. Her coaching record stands at 63-48 over four seasons. During her time at South Carolina, she battled and overcame breast cancer in 2013.

Dawn Staley, reflecting on McCray-Penson's life, shared her deep sorrow and admiration for her friend and colleague. Staley emphasized McCray-Penson's vibrant spirit and dedication to mentoring young players. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognized McCray-Penson's contributions to the sport by inducting her in 2012.