Nikki Mccray Death WNBA, Former professional women’s basketball player died at 51
Nikki Mccray Death – Nikki Mccray, the former head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs women’s basketball team and a former professional women’s basketball player has passed away unexpectedly. Nikki Mccray was announced dead today, Friday, the 7th of July 2023. She was 51. Nikki Mccray died after battling breast cancer a second time. Thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Nikki Kesangane McCray-Penson was born on December 17, 1971, in Collierville, Tennessee, U.S.
Playing career
McCray, a guard hailing from the University of Tennessee, stood at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m). Throughout her career, she represented various teams in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) including the Washington Mystics, Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Chicago Sky. Recognized for her exceptional skills, McCray earned three selections to the WNBA All-Star teams in 1999, 2000, and 2001. She amassed a total of 2,550 career points.
Before her stint in the WNBA, McCray showcased her talent in the now-defunct American Basketball League, where she achieved significant success. In the 1996-97 season, she was honoured with the Most Valuable Player award. Furthermore, McCray left a mark on the international basketball scene. She captured gold medals at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics, demonstrating her prowess on the court. Additionally, she represented the United States in the 1998 FIBA World Championship.
Renowned for her defensive abilities, McCray gained recognition as a world-class defender by successfully shutting down numerous top-tier players. Her achievements extend beyond basketball, as she was appointed to the President’s Fitness Council in 2000. McCray’s excellence led to her inclusion in the 2000 USA Olympic basketball team, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in women’s basketball.
Coaching career
After her illustrious playing career, McCray ventured into coaching and found herself as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina. It was a familiar environment for her, as she reunited with her former teammate, Dawn Staley, who served as the head coach. The University of South Carolina became a new home for McCray as she embraced her coaching role.
However, McCray’s coaching journey took a turn when she made the difficult decision to resign as the head coach at Mississippi State in October 2021. Citing health reasons, she prioritized her well-being and stepped away from her coaching responsibilities. It was a challenging choice, but McCray recognized the importance of taking care of herself and addressing her health needs.
The family will release an obituary and funeral arrangements for Nikki Mccray.
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