Nikki McCray-Penson, Ex-South Carolina Assistant Coach, Olympic Gold Medalist, Passes Away at 51

Former Olympic gold medalist and women's basketball coach Nikki McCray-Penson dies at 51.

Nikki McCray-Penson, a former women's basketball coach at Rutgers and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has sadly passed away at the age of 51. McCray-Penson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, was a beloved figure in the basketball world.

During her coaching career, McCray-Penson served as an assistant under coach Dawn Staley at South Carolina from 2008-2017. Together, they helped lead the Gamecocks to their first national championship in 2017. McCray-Penson's impact on the team was immeasurable, as she mentored young players and brought a positive energy to the program.

Before her coaching career, McCray-Penson had an impressive playing career at Tennessee under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. As a point guard, she was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and a two-time Kodak All-America standout. McCray-Penson's team reached the Final Four in 1995, narrowly losing in the championship game to undefeated Connecticut.

McCray-Penson's success on the court extended to the international stage as well. She was a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, which played a pivotal role in the formation of the WNBA and ABL. McCray-Penson's talent and leadership were recognized when she won MVP honors in 1997 while leading the ABL's Columbus Quest to a championship. She went on to have a successful career in the WNBA, earning three All-Star selections while playing for the Washington Mystics.

Off the court, McCray-Penson was known for her competitive spirit and positive attitude. She was a beloved figure among her colleagues and opponents alike. New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, who coached McCray-Penson in San Antonio and played against her on the Australian Olympic team, described her as a fierce competitor who always gave her best effort.

McCray-Penson's coaching career began at Western Kentucky, where she served as an assistant for three seasons. After her successful stint at South Carolina, she became the head coach at Old Dominion in 2017, achieving a record of 24-6 in 2020. Unfortunately, she had to step down from her position at Mississippi State due to health reasons, but she returned to coaching as an assistant at Rutgers last season under coach Coquese Washington.

Throughout her career, McCray-Penson made a lasting impact on the basketball world. Her induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 is a testament to her contributions to the sport. She leaves behind her husband, Thomas, and her son, Thomas Jr.

Nikki McCray-Penson's passing is a great loss to the basketball community, but her legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the positive energy she brought to the game. She will be remembered as a talented player, a dedicated coach, and a beloved friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this difficult time.

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