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Nikki McCray-Penson, former Tennessee standout and SEC coach, passes away
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Nikki McCray-Penson passed away on Friday at the age of 51. She played women’s basketball for Tennessee in the 1990s and was an assistant at South Carolina and coached at Mississippi State (2020-2021).
ESPN’s M.A. Voepel shared the news. McCray-Penson battled with cancer since her diagnosis in 2013 while she was on staff at South Carolina.
McCray-Penson was the head coach at Mississippi State during the Covid-19 shortened season before stepping down in 2021 for health reasons.
She played for Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt. After college, McCray-Penson headed to the WNBA.
McCray-Penson played for the Washington Mystics, Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Stars, and Chicago Sky.
She was also an assistant coach at Western Kentucky (2006-2008) and Rutgers (2022-2023).
The WNBA released a statement shortly after the news of McCray-Penson’s passing:
“Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the passing of Nikki McCray-Penson,” the WNBA said in a statement. “…Our thoughts and prayers are with Nikki’s family and loved ones at this time.”
McCray-Penson left her impact on the world of women’s college basketball and will be remembered for her contributions to the sport.
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
