Nikki McCray-Penson, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former head coach of the Old Dominion University women’s basketball team, passed away on Thursday at the age of 51.
“It’s a challenge to put into words how devastating the news of Nikki McCray-Penson’s death is for all of us associated with ODU. Nikki had a lasting impact on the game of basketball across the globe as she enjoyed the pinnacle of success on the world’s biggest stages both as an athlete and a coach,” ODU Director of Athletics Wood Selig said.
Nikki had a lasting impact on the game of basketball across the globe as she enjoyed the pinnacle of success on the world’s biggest stages both as an athlete and a coach,”
Wood Selig
“From the first day I met Nikki, I knew she would experience the same success as a coach that she experienced as an athlete. Her drive, passion, enthusiasm and love for the game made everyone around her better and motivated everyone to work harder to achieve the high standard of excellence that Nikki always expected.
“It is such a shame that the world and future student-athletes will never enjoy coach McCray-Penson fulfilling her coaching career. Nikki’s husband, Thomas, and son, Thomas Jr., are now in Monarchs’ thoughts and prayers. The ODU women’s basketball program is better today because of the many contributions made by Nikki and her family while they were here in Norfolk.”
Under McCray-Penson’s leadership, the Monarchs achieved a record of 53-40 during her three-season tenure as head coach. In the 2019-20 season, McCray-Penson guided ODU to an impressive 24-6 record and a probable qualification for the NCAA tournament, which unfortunately did not occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my former teammate and friend Nikki McCray-Penson,” ODU women’s basketball head coach DeLisha Milton-Jones said.
ODU women’s basketball head coach speaks about her McCray-Penson’s untimely death
“Nikki courageously fought hard for others on and off the court, and her legacy will be lasting. She was a tremendous person, teammate, coach and mentor to me and hundreds of other women in the game of basketball. She will be deeply missed.”
After a challenging first season in 2017-18, where the team finished with a record of 8-23, McCray-Penson led a remarkable turnaround for the Monarchs. In the following season, they achieved a much-improved record of 21-11 and secured a spot in the WNIT tournament.
After the successful 2019-20 season, McCray-Penson accepted the head coaching position at Mississippi State. However, after coaching for one season, she stepped down due to health reasons. In the 2022-23 season, she returned to coaching and completed her first year as an assistant coach at Rutgers.
McCray-Penson had previously battled breast cancer, receiving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. She successfully overcame the illness and was declared cancer-free nine months later.
Unfortunately, The Tennessean reported on Friday that she passed away while battling a recurrence of cancer and pneumonia.
“I am heartbroken getting the news that we lost Nikki McCray,” said ODU great and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. “She was an incredible mom and a great in our game from Tennessee to USA Olympic teams and then taking her knowledge and kindness to the coaching ranks. We are all better for having known her and Nikki being in our lives. The ODU Monarch family is hurting today for this beautiful woman. May she rest in paradise.”
McCray-Penson had a successful playing career, spending nine seasons in the WNBA and two years in the American Basketball League. She made an immediate impact, leading the Columbus Quest to the ABL championship in her rookie season and earning the league’s MVP award. After joining the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, mcCray-Penson became their top scorer for two consecutive seasons. She was in the WNBA All-Star game thrice during her four years.
McCray-Penson: An Olympic Legend
She continued her WNBA career for five more seasons, playing for the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Chicago Sky before retiring in 2006. With a total of 2,528 points, she ranked 24th on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list.
In addition to her professional achievements, McCray-Penson represented the United States in the Olympics, winning gold medals in 1996 and 2000.
During her college years at Tennessee, where she played for coach Pat Summitt, McCray-Penson played a vital role in the Lady Vols’ success. The team amassed an impressive record of 122-11, securing three SEC regular-season titles, two conference tournament championships, and making four NCAA tournament appearances. In her junior and senior seasons, mcCray-Penson earned multiple accolades, including an All-American and SEC Player of the Year. She graduated from Tennessee in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in education.
Following her playing career, McCray-Penson transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant head coach at Western Kentucky for two seasons, contributing to the team’s success in the WNIT and the NCAA tournament. She then joined South Carolina as an assistant coach, where she helped guide the Gamecocks to four consecutive NCAA Tournament No. 1 seeds and multiple appearances in the Sweet 16 and Final Four.
Throughout her basketball journey, McCray-Penson made significant contributions both as a player and a coach, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
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