by Nikki McCray-Penson, who played and coached women’s basketball for 27 years, passed away Friday at age 51, Rutgers University confirmed in a statement. McCray-Penson entered her second season as an assistant coach for the Scarlet Knights.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. McCray-Penson was a breast cancer survivor after being diagnosed in 2013. She had a 10-year-old son with her husband, Thomas Penson.
“Today is a deeply sad and emotional day for everyone who knew and loved Nikki,” Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington said in a statement. Nikki had a big smile and an even bigger heart. She was full of life, energy and was so much fun to be around. Nikki touched the lives of many as she made it her mission to uplift and help others whatever dreams and goals they expressed. She was so devoted to her husband and son, and still gave her all to everyone in the program. We will miss her dearly, but we will keep Nikki’s memory alive in our hearts.’
McCray-Penson played four seasons at Tennessee from 1991 to 1995 for the late Pat Summitt, averaging 12.4 points per game. She won three consecutive SEC regular season titles and two SEC tournament titles. The Volunteers were the NCAA runner-ups in 1995.
The Washington Mystics drafted McCray-Penson with the third overall pick in 1998 after she spent two seasons with the Columbus Quest in the now-defunct American Basketball League. McCray-Penson was the ABL MVP in 1997 after helping the Quest win the league championship.
“Nikki was a great competitor,” Brian Agler, who coached McCray-Penson at the Quest, said in an interview with ESPN. “She could dominate a game with her defensive skills and her aggressive offensive style. She had such a great work ethic. I know her Columbus Quest family, friends and fans respect her and will miss her.”
McCray-Penson played four seasons in Washington, earning three All-Stars before joining the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Stars (later the Las Vegas Aces), and the Chicago Sky. During her time with the Mystics, McCray-Penson averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
During her professional career, McCray-Penson also won two Olympic gold medals for the United States – first in Atlanta in 1996 and then in Sydney in 2000.
McCray-Penson’s move into coaching
Following her playing career, McCray-Penson joined Western Kentucky in 2006 as an assistant coach. She became an assistant under Dawn Staley at South Carolina in 2008, a position she held until 2017 when Old Dominion hired McCray-Penson as head coach.
Old Dominion went from 12th to second in Conference USA in just three seasons under McCray-Penson. She then became a head coach at Mississippi State in 2020, but retired from the team midway through her sophomore season in 2021 due to health issues. McCray-Penson joined Rutgers in 2022.
“I came to admire Nikki’s courage and her dedication to her players and this university as she endured significant health challenges during her tenure as our women’s basketball coach,” said MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum in a statement. “While at the state of Mississippi, Coach McCray-Penson did her very best to advance this university and the state of Mississippi. My wife, Rhonda, and I are deeply saddened by her death and are praying for her family and friends.”
Dawn Staley among those honoring McCray-Penson
An outpouring of memories and support for McCray-Penson hit the internet shortly after news of her death broke on Friday.
Staley, who also played with McCray-Penson on both Olympic teams, posted a long and personal message for her former teammate and fellow coach.
Others — teams she played or coached for, or players she coached or played with, or even those who just knew McCray-Penson — posted heartwarming messages and tributes.
