Nikki McCray-Penson: Celebrating the Legacy of a Basketball Icon and Inspirational Coach

Tragic Passing of Esteemed Coach Nikki McCray-Penson

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the untimely passing of Nikki McCray-Penson, the former head coach of the women's basketball team at Old Dominion University (ODU) and a distinguished two-time Olympic gold medalist. At the age of 51, her life was tragically cut short on Thursday, leaving a void in the hearts of those associated with ODU.

Wood Selig, the Director of Athletics at ODU, expressed the immense impact Nikki McCray-Penson had on the global basketball community. Both as an accomplished athlete and coach, she achieved unparalleled success on the world stage, forever etching her name in the annals of the sport. Selig attested to her unwavering commitment, passion, and love for the game, qualities that inspired everyone around her to strive for excellence. He lamented the unfortunate reality that future generations of student-athletes would be deprived of experiencing the remarkable coaching career that McCray-Penson would have undoubtedly forged. In this trying time, our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, Thomas, and her son, Thomas Jr. The ODU women's basketball program owes much of its present stature to the invaluable contributions made by Nikki and her family during their time here in Norfolk.

During her tenure as head coach, McCray-Penson led the Monarchs to an impressive record of 53 wins and 40 losses over three seasons. In the 2019-20 season, she masterfully guided ODU to a remarkable 24-6 record, positioning the team for a highly anticipated NCAA tournament appearance, which, unfortunately, was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeLisha Milton-Jones, the current head coach of ODU women's basketball, expressed deep sorrow upon hearing of the passing of her former teammate and dear friend, Nikki McCray-Penson. Milton-Jones highlighted Nikki's courageous spirit, both on and off the court, and acknowledged the enduring legacy she leaves behind. As a remarkable individual, teammate, coach, and mentor, McCray-Penson positively impacted countless women in the world of basketball and will be sorely missed.

Following a challenging debut season in 2017-18, where McCray-Penson's coaching prowess helped reverse the team's fortunes, the Monarchs concluded the subsequent season with an impressive 21-11 record and secured a coveted invitation to the WNIT.

After the 2019-20 season, McCray-Penson made the decision to accept the head coaching position at Mississippi State. However, due to health concerns, she resigned after one season. In the 2022-23 season, she resumed her coaching career as an assistant coach at Rutgers, completing her first season with the team.

McCray-Penson's unwavering resilience was evident when she faced a breast cancer diagnosis in 2013. Through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she overcame the disease and was declared cancer-free nine months later. Tragically, news emerged on Friday that she had succumbed to a recurrence of cancer and pneumonia.

Nancy Lieberman, an esteemed member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and an ODU great, expressed profound grief over the loss of Nikki McCray. Lieberman acknowledged McCray-Penson's tremendous influence as a mother, as well as her contributions to the game of basketball, from her home state of Tennessee to the USA Olympic teams and her coaching endeavors. Lieberman emphasized the indelible impact Nikki had on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her, and the entire ODU Monarch family mourns the loss of this exceptional woman. May she find eternal peace in paradise.

McCray-Penson's illustrious basketball career extended beyond coaching. Following a two-year stint in the American Basketball League, she played for nine seasons in the WNBA. As a rookie, she led the Columbus Quest to the 1996-97 ABL championship and earned the league's Most Valuable Player title. After joining the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, McCray-Penson emerged as the team's top scorer in her first two seasons and was a three-time participant in the WNBA All-Star game during her four-year tenure with the team.

Subsequently, McCray-Penson played for various teams in the WNBA, including the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Chicago Sky, culminating her career in 2006. She finished her professional journey with an impressive 2,528 points, securing the 24th spot on the WNBA's all-time scoring list.

On the international stage, McCray-Penson played a pivotal role in the U.S. team's conquest of Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2000, further cementing her status as a true legend of the sport.

During her four-year college career at the University of Tennessee, under the tutelage of the esteemed Pat Summitt, McCray-Penson spearheaded the Lady Vols to an outstanding record of 122 wins and 11 losses. Her exceptional performances helped secure three SEC regular-season titles, two conference tournament championships, and four NCAA tournament appearances. McCray-Penson's outstanding achievements earned her the distinction of being named an All-American and SEC Player of the Year in her junior and senior years.

In 1995, McCray-Penson obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee, solidifying her commitment to personal growth and academic excellence.

Following her impressive playing career spanning 11 years, McCray-Penson embarked on a coaching journey. Initially, she served as an assistant head coach at Western Kentucky for two seasons, alongside Wood Selig, who was then the athletic director. During this time, she contributed significantly to the team's success, helping lead the Lady Toppers to a commendable record of 49 wins and 17 losses, which included a WNIT semifinal appearance in the 2006-07 season and a Sun Belt Tournament title, securing a berth in the NCAA tournament in 2007-08.

Subsequently, McCray-Penson assumed a similar role at South Carolina, where her coaching acumen propelled the Gamecocks to achieve unprecedented success. Under her guidance, the team secured four consecutive NCAA Tournament No. 1 seeds, with their first coming in 2014. The Gamecocks made appearances in the Sweet 16 in five of six seasons and reached their first-ever NCAA Final Four in 2015. The 2016-17 season marked a milestone for South Carolina, as they attained the prestigious No. 1 national ranking in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

The passing of Nikki McCray-Penson has left an indescribable void in the world of basketball. Her extraordinary achievements, tenacity, and unwavering dedication to the game have left an enduring mark. We pay tribute to her legacy, which will forever inspire generations to come. May she find eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all.