Mississippi State announced Tuesday that their head women’s basketball coach Nikki McCray-Penson, has stepped down from her position to focus on her health issues, the resignation takes place immediately.

McCray-Penson cited health concerns in a statement released by the school:

“Over the past several weeks, I have been faced again with health concerns I had hoped were behind me. In light of these developments, I have decided to step away from coaching in order to devote my full time and energy to addressing those issues. Although I look forward to returning to coaching when I am able, I believe this is the best decision for me and my family at this time. I appreciate the support MSU has shown me, and I will be pulling for the team’s success this season.”

Athletic Director John Cohen thanked the coach for her time and effort and said in part that he respected her decision to focus on her health and family at this time.

McCray-Penson was an All-SEC and All-American player while at the University of Tennessee. She began her coaching career as an assistant with Western Kentucky before moving on to become an assistant under Dawn Staley at South Carolina. She then went on to be the head coach at Old Dominion for 3 years. She became the head coach of Mississippi State last year.

McCray-Penson’s record as a head coach was 63-48.