Former WNBA Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Passes Away, Fans Offer Prayers

The world of basketball is feeling a deep sense of sadness as we say goodbye to Nikki McCray-Penson, a former WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist who passed away at the age of 51.

Nikki was an amazing basketball player who made a name for herself playing for the University of Tennessee under coach Pat Summitt. She was also part of the famous 1996 Olympic team that won the gold medal in Atlanta.

Nikki McCray-Penson has died at the age of 51.

She was a two-time SEC POY at Tennessee, two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time WNBA All-Star, and head coach at ODU and Mississippi State.

More on her legacy: https://t.co/IOdZcPONUk pic.twitter.com/3dIIdiOSs1

— ESPN (@espn) July 7, 2023

After her playing career, Nikki became a coach, sharing her knowledge and love for the game. She worked as an assistant coach for several colleges, including Western Kentucky, South Carolina, and Rutgers. From 2017 to 2021, she had important coaching roles at Old Dominion and Mississippi State.

The news of Nikki’s passing has deeply saddened fans all around the world. Many people took to social media to express their grief and offer their prayers and support. 

Dr. Nicki Washington wrote, “This was my junior year. 1999 CIAA women’s banquet, and Nikki McCray-Penson was the keynote speaker. She was SOOO nice, super cool, and stayed to sign as many autographs and pics as there were people waiting. One of the best to ever do it. RIP Coach.”

This was my junior year. 1999 CIAA women’s banquet, and Nikki McCray-Penson was the keynote speaker. She was SOOO nice, super cool, and stayed to sign as many autographs and pics as there were people waiting. One of the best to ever do it. RIP Coach. https://t.co/J5ns1jUqIv pic.twitter.com/NuD1uPnBy5

— Dr. Nicki Washington (@dr_nickiw) July 7, 2023

Alex Grant said, “Absolutely heartbreaking, Coach McCray-Penson’s energy was so infectious. It’s always been one of the things that stands out in my mind about that 2017 Gamecocks team. … Sending prayers for her family and the entire women’s basketball community.”

Absolutely heartbreaking.

Coach McCray-Penson’s energy was so infectious. It’s always been one of the things that stands out in my mind about that 2017 @GamecockWBB team.

Sending prayers for her family and the entire women’s basketball community. ?? https://t.co/EHOpmBW8Di

— Alex Grant (@_alexmgrant) July 7, 2023

Penn State Women’s Basketball tweeted, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the McCray-Penson family, and all those who knew and loved Coach. The Lady Lion family will always remember her legacy as a champion for our game and a mentor for young women everywhere.”

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the McCray-Penson family, and all those who knew and loved Coach.

The Lady Lion family will always remember her legacy as a champion for our game and a mentor for young women everywhere? https://t.co/6NGmB0CwQC

— Penn State Women’s Basketball (@PennStateWBB) July 7, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nikki McCray-Penson’s friends and family. May she Rest in Peace.

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