Nikki McCray-Penson: A Basketball Legend's Enduring Legacy

In a tragic turn of events, Nikki McCray-Penson, the former head coach of the Old Dominion University women's basketball team and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, passed away on Thursday at the age of 51.

"The devastating news of Nikki McCray-Penson's demise has left all of us at ODU at a loss for words. Across the globe, Nikki had an indelible impact on the game of basketball, reaching the highest level of success as both an athlete and a coach," expressed Wood Selig, the Director of Athletics at ODU. 

"From the moment I met Nikki, I knew she would achieve the same greatness as a coach that she experienced as an athlete. Her determination, passion, enthusiasm, and love for the game elevated everyone around her, motivating them to strive harder and reach the exceptional standards that Nikki always demanded. 

It is truly unfortunate that the world and future student-athletes will never have the opportunity to witness Coach McCray-Penson's fulfilling coaching career. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nikki's husband, Thomas, and son, Thomas Jr. The ODU women's basketball program is stronger today because of the invaluable contributions made by Nikki and her family during their time here in Norfolk."

During her tenure, McCray-Penson led the Monarchs to a record of 53-40 over three seasons. 

In the 2019-20 season, she guided ODU to an impressive 24-6 record and a highly probable spot in the NCAA tournament, which unfortunately never came to fruition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expressing her sorrow, DeLisha Milton-Jones, the current head coach of ODU women's basketball, stated, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my former teammate and friend, Nikki McCray-Penson. 

Nikki fought tirelessly for others, both on and off the court, and her legacy will endure. She was an exceptional individual, teammate, coach, and mentor to me and countless other women in the basketball community. Her absence will be profoundly felt."

After a challenging first season with an 8-23 record in 2017-18, McCray-Penson spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, leading the Monarchs to a 21-11 finish and securing a bid to the WNIT.

Following the 2019-20 season, McCray-Penson accepted the head coaching position at Mississippi State. However, due to health reasons, she stepped down after just one season. In the 2022-23 season, she made a comeback to coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Rutgers.

In 2013, McCray-Penson was diagnosed with breast cancer. She successfully battled the disease through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, achieving a cancer-free status nine months later. 

However, it was reported by The Tennessean on Friday that she passed away while courageously fighting a recurrence of cancer and pneumonia.

Expressing her grief, Nancy Lieberman, an ODU great and a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, said, "I am heartbroken upon hearing the news of Nikki McCray's passing. She was an incredible mother and a legend in our game, representing Tennessee and the USA Olympic teams before sharing her knowledge and kindness as a coach. 

Knowing her and having Nikki in our lives has made us all better. Today, the ODU Monarch family mourns the loss of this extraordinary woman. May she rest in paradise?"

During her professional playing career, McCray-Penson played for nine seasons in the WNBA following a two-year stint in the American Basketball League. 

She achieved remarkable success, leading the Columbus Quest to the 1996-97 ABL championship as a rookie and earning the league's MVP title. 

Upon joining the Washington Mystics in the WNBA in 1998, she emerged as the team's top scorer in her first two seasons and earned three WNBA All-Star game appearances during her four years in Washington.

McCray-Penson continued to play in the WNBA for five more seasons, spending two with the Indiana Fever and one each with the Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Chicago Sky before retiring at the end of the 2006 season. 

She concluded her career with 2,528 points, placing her 24th on the WNBA's all-time scoring list.

In addition to her WNBA achievements, McCray-Penson played a pivotal role in securing Olympic gold medals for the U.S. team in 1996 and 2000.

During her four-year college career at Tennessee under the late Pat Summitt, McCray-Penson propelled the Lady Vols to an impressive 122-11 record. 

Her contributions led to three SEC regular-season titles, two conference tournament championships, and four NCAA tournament appearances. She received All-American honors and was named the SEC Player of the Year during her junior and senior years.

In 1995, McCray-Penson graduated from Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education.

Following her retirement as a player, McCray-Penson transitioned into coaching, initially serving as an assistant head coach at Western Kentucky for two seasons. 

There, she contributed to the Lady Toppers' success, achieving a 49-17 record, which included a WNIT semifinal appearance in 2006-07 and a Sun Belt Tournament title along with a berth in the NCAA tournament in 2007-08.

She later joined South Carolina as an assistant coach, where she played a significant role in the team's success. The Gamecocks earned four consecutive NCAA Tournament No. 1 seeds, reaching the Sweet 16 five times in six seasons and making their first-ever NCAA Final Four appearance in 2015. The 2016-17 season concluded with South Carolina attaining their highest national ranking, securing the top spot in the USA Today Coaches Poll.