RIP Nikki McCray

#26
#26
TN_gal said:


LVFL Nikki McCray-Penson Passes Away - University of Tennessee Athletics

"Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of a beloved Lady Vol. We also offer our love and sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues across the country. Nikki had a bright and loving personality and touched the lives of everyone she met. Her kind and genuine spirit will be missed."

--Tennessee Women's Basketball Head Coach Kellie Harper

"My heart is so heavy. One of the most beautiful souls I've ever met. The one who genuinely went out their way to understand me when I was so misunderstood. The one who was always there. You fought so long and hard, and I am so grateful to have known you. I love you. Rest easy.

--Tennessee Forward Rickea Jackson (previously played for Nikki McCray-Penson at Mississippi State)
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Heavy news today. Prayers šŸ™ up!
 
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#32
#32
Darth_Vol said:
Nikki was one of my personal all time favorites so this one hits especially hard.

And regardless of what you thought of her as a coach, everyone who put her on blast for "bailing" on Mississippi State should feel like a jackass today...
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I don't remember Nikki being put on blast for "bailing" on MS at all. She said at the time it was for her health and we knew she'd already had breast cancer before. Later she said it wasn't a recurrance, but obviously it was something serious. I don't think she was ever fully healthy again.

I do remember her being blasted alot for her coaching that year, but she was in a really tough situation. MS and their emerging star, Rickea Jackson, were reeling from Vic's departure. And it was the awful covid yr, uncertainty about games and rosters, empty gyms, masks, just a horrible year all the way around. I remember one poster around here in particular who had frequent meltdowns over Nikki's inability to figure out how to use Rickea.

Apparently she and RIckea stayed on good terms, Coach Sam answered Rickea's sweet tweet today by saying that Nikki was RJ's "biggest cheerleader" and was very happy she is a Lady Vol. It kind of feels full circle.

It also makes me wonder about Tasha Butts. Hope she's doing well!
 
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#35
#35
glv98 said:
I don't remember Nikki being put on blast for "bailing" on MS at all.
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Probably because you weren't among them, but it happened I assure you.

Yes there was plenty of criticism about her coaching, which was totally fair given her tenure at MSU was an unequivocal disaster. But there was also suggestion that her "health issues" were some kind of smokescreen to take the coward's way out of not cleaning up her own mess. Those individuals can pound sand...
 
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#40
#40
fryeguy93 said:
Nikki was an acquaintance in my time UT. Those teams had some nice people that I got to meet and talk with quite a few times.
For being uber competitive and tenacious on the court, Nikki was truly a very nice person.

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Loved watching her play, VFL! May God be with your family now as you are back with Coach Pat. šŸ™šŸ™šŸ™
 
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#41
#41
SDV said:
Oh no! What happened?
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I read she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not 100% sure that is the cause of death, but it is a likely factor.

Sad to hear. But when I think of the great Lady Vols players, she is high on the list. My best to her family and friends.
 
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#42
#42
Dear Nikki McCray-Penson, I am truly sadden to hear of your passing, my sincere condolences to your husband, son, family, and the Lady Vol nation. Words can hardly express how you have poured into so many young women, so many coaches, and teammates. You gave us so many wonderful moments of excitement, joy, and fun while wearing the orange and white. You have always represented yourself and this program with professionalism, class, and distinction, and Like Pat we were so proud of the young women and fine coach you became in your journey. I pray Almighty God's Blessings upon your family, May He bid your spirit into His Kingdom and grant unto you His eternal peace. God Bless you Nikki McCray-Penson.
f2c9932a-da31-4bd5-b022-8c8a457ec4ef-Nikki_McCray_-_With_Pat_Summitt.jpg
 
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#44
#44
To let folks know on here how good of a player she was in this state on the high school level, she still holds about 3 state records if i'm not mistaken in points scored,field goals made, and most free throws made i believe..but it's the love/respect from her VOls family that's where a record will never be broken ...rest easy NIkki McCray
 
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#49
#49
Truly one of the greatest Lady Vols of all time..VFL here and beyond..I was fortunate enough to speak with her many times over the years and found her ability to be positive, no matter the situation, quite refreshing..She will be greatly missed! My hope is for her family to know how much she was loved and how greatly she will be missed!!
 
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