It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Nikki McCray-Penson, an Olympic gold medalist and former South Carolina Women’s Basketball assistant coach, at the age of 51.
McCray-Penson was a trailblazer in the world of women’s basketball. She was a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning in 1996 and 2000, and a four-time WNBA All-Star. She was also a four-time All-American at the University of Tennessee, where she was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
After her playing career, McCray-Penson began her coaching career as an assistant at Old Dominion University in 2006. She then moved on to become an assistant coach at South Carolina in 2008, where she helped lead the team to its first Final Four appearance in 2015.
McCray-Penson was also the head coach at Old Dominion from 2015 to 2018. During her tenure, she led the team to three consecutive 20-win seasons and two NCAA tournament appearances.
McCray-Penson was an inspiration to many young women who looked up to her for her success both on and off the court. She was a role model for aspiring female athletes and coaches, and her legacy will live on for years to come.
We send our deepest condolences to McCray-Penson’s family and friends during this difficult time. Her impact on the game of basketball will be remembered forever.
