Nikki McCray-Penson, an Esteemed Olympic Champion and Inductee into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Passes Away at the Age of 51

Nikki McCray-Penson, an Esteemed Olympic Champion and Inductee into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Passes Away at the Age of 5

Nikki McCray-Penson, an Esteemed Olympic Champion and Inductee into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Passes Away at the Age of 51

Renowned athlete and former ABL MVP, Nikki McCray-Penson, who had the honor of winning two Olympic gold medals, has passed away at the age of 51.

The university confirmed on Friday that McCray-Penson, who had been an assistant women's basketball coach at Rutgers in the preceding season, had tragically passed away. 

In 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she valiantly battled.

From 2008 to 2017, McCray-Penson partnered with Dawn Staley as an assistant coach at South Carolina. 

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Together, they contributed significantly to the Gamecocks' historic achievement of capturing their inaugural national championship in 2017.

Nikki McCray-Penson, a remarkable athlete, achieved great success as a member of the U.S. women's basketball team, securing gold medals in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. 

Notably, the 1996 team played a pivotal role in the establishment of the WNBA and ABL, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. 

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McCray-Penson's journey continued in the ABL, where she showcased her skills and earned the prestigious MVP title in 1997 before transitioning to the WNBA. 

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Throughout her tenure with the Washington Mystics, she shone as a three-time All-Star, leaving an indelible mark on the league.

In a heartfelt statement, the Washington Mystics expressed their admiration for McCray-Penson, acknowledging her as a true embodiment of the game's passion and the remarkable achievements that can be attained through unwavering dedication and hard work.

Former Mystics coach Mike Thibault penned a heartfelt tribute to Nikki McCray-Penson, expressing her immense popularity among fans in DC and the immense joy she brought to her extensive circle of friends and admirers. 

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"Rest in peace, Nikki," he wrote, encapsulating the deep sense of loss.

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McCray-Penson enjoyed a successful career in the WNBA, dedicating eight seasons to the sport before retiring in 2006. 

Following her playing days, she transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky for three seasons. 

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Later, she assumed the role of head coach at Old Dominion, where she achieved an impressive 24-6 record in 2020. 

Although health-related concerns led her to step down from her position at Mississippi State after a year, she made a triumphant return to coaching at Rutgers in the previous season.

During her college years, McCray-Penson played for the esteemed Tennessee Lady Vols from 1991 to 1995 under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt. 

Playing as a guard, McCray-Penson achieved remarkable recognition, securing the title of SEC Player of the Year twice and establishing herself as a standout in the Kodak All-America lineup during her junior and senior seasons.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the sport, Nikki McCray-Penson was honored with induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, forever etching her name among the legends of the game.

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