The Mississippi State community is saddened by the passing of former women's basketball head coach Nikki McCray-Penson at the age of 51.
The Mississippi State community is saddened by the passing of former women's basketball head coach Nikki McCray-Penson at the age of 51.
McCray-Penson, who joined Mississippi State in 2020, was known for her remarkable career as a women's basketball player.
McCray-Penson, who joined Mississippi State in 2020, was known for her remarkable career as a women's basketball player.
She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and won two Olympic Gold Medals in 1996 and 2000.
She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and won two Olympic Gold Medals in 1996 and 2000.
McCray-Penson played nine seasons in the WNBA, earning three All-Star appearances and winning the 1997 ABL Championship.
McCray-Penson played nine seasons in the WNBA, earning three All-Star appearances and winning the 1997 ABL Championship.
Prior to her coaching career, McCray-Penson had an impressive collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, playing under the legendary Pat Summit.
Prior to her coaching career, McCray-Penson had an impressive collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, playing under the legendary Pat Summit.
1. She was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and a two-time Kodak All-American, contributing to two SEC Tournament Championships and the 1992 NCAA National Title.
1. She was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and a two-time Kodak All-American, contributing to two SEC Tournament Championships and the 1992 NCAA National Title.
McCray-Penson's impact extended beyond basketball, as she was admired for her leadership and dedication to the women she coached.
Her passing is a loss not only to the basketball community but also to her family, who remember her as a loving mother and wife.
Her passing is a loss not only to the basketball community but also to her family, who remember her as a loving mother and wife.
Mississippi State President Dr. Mark Keenum expressed his condolences and highlighted McCray-Penson's courage and commitment.
Mississippi State President Dr. Mark Keenum expressed his condolences and highlighted McCray-Penson's courage and commitment.
The memory of Nikki McCray-Penson will continue to be cherished, and her family and friends are in the thoughts and prayers of many during this difficult time.
The memory of Nikki McCray-Penson will continue to be cherished, and her family and friends are in the thoughts and prayers of many during this difficult time.