Georgetown Women’s Basketball Coach Tasha Butts Passes Away After Battle with Breast Cancer
Georgetown women’s basketball coach Tasha Butts, 41, has tragically passed away after a two-year battle with advanced-stage metastatic breast cancer. The news was announced by Georgetown University on Monday, leaving the basketball community in mourning.
Butts had an impressive coaching career, having spent almost two decades as an assistant coach in multiple conferences before being hired by Georgetown last April. She had previously served as an assistant and associate head coach at Georgia Tech for four seasons, LSU for eight seasons, UCLA for three seasons, and Duquesne for one season.
Tasha Butts was highly respected and liked by her peers in the women’s basketball community. Her coaching skills and dedication to her players were widely recognized. She was known for her toughness and high expectations while also providing support and care when her players needed it most.
Butts had an illustrious playing career as a guard at Tennessee under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt. She left Tennessee ranked fourth all-time in games played with 141 appearances. She also won four SEC regular-season titles and helped the Lady Vols reach two national championship games.
In addition to her coaching achievements, Butts was involved in philanthropic efforts. Last month, she stepped away from coaching and initiated the Tasha Tough campaign to raise funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. The campaign aimed to support women who couldn’t afford quality healthcare during their battle with cancer. Many women’s college basketball programs across various conferences and levels participated in the campaign.
The passing of Tasha Butts is a significant loss for the women’s basketball community, coming shortly after the death of former Mississippi State coach and longtime assistant Nikki McCray-Penson, who also battled breast cancer. McCray-Penson passed away earlier this summer after being diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. In honor of McCray-Penson, South Carolina and Rutgers, two programs where she had served as an assistant, played an exhibition game to raise funds for In the Middle, an organization that provides assistance to individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment.
Georgetown University announced that Tasha Butts is survived by her parents Spencer, Sr. and Evelyn, her brother Spencer, Jr., and her nephew Marquis. The loss of Butts will undoubtedly be deeply felt by her loved ones and the entire basketball community.
Breast cancer remains a significant health concern, affecting many individuals worldwide. The passing of Tasha Butts serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and access to quality healthcare. It also highlights the need for continued support and research to find a cure for this devastating disease.
Tasha Butts’ legacy as a player, coach, and philanthropist will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and were impacted by her work. Her dedication to the game of basketball and her commitment to helping others will forever be remembered.
The basketball community mourns the loss of Tasha Butts, a remarkable coach, mentor, and advocate. Her contributions to the sport and her impact on the lives of her players will never be forgotten. As the women’s basketball community continues to grieve, they also stand united in their determination to fight against breast cancer and support those affected by it.
Rest in peace, Tasha Butts. Your spirit and legacy will forever inspire us all.
(Photo: Courtesy of Georgetown Athletics)