Photo: Getty Images
WNBA star Tiffany Jackson, who is hailed as one of the greatest to ever play for the University of Texas Women's Basketball team, has died of cancer, the school announced per NBC News. She was 37.
Jackson began her rise to stardom as a Texas Longhorn basketball player from 2003 to 2007. She was drafted as the No. 5 pick in the 2007 WNBA draft.
The star athlete went on to play nine seasons in the league before accepting an assistant coaching position at her alma mater, UT said in a statement announcing her death.
During her WNBA career, Jackson was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2015. She returned to the court the following year after she was told her cancer was in remission.
Jackson ultimately retired in 2018 and joined the Longhorns as an assistant coach, having played for the New York Liberty, Tulsa Shock, and Los Angeles Sparks.
“From her days as a player for DFW Elite to her days as a player at The University of Texas, Tiffany has meant so much to so many people in this great state of Texas,” said Vic Schaefer, head coach of Texas Women’s Basketball. “She will be sorely missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family.”
Following her time coaching the Longhorns, Jackson was hired on at Wiley College as the head women's basketball coach.
Wiley College President & CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr. described Jackson as "an incredible light for our students and an amazing member of the Wiley College family."
"Her dedication to Wiley College was evident in how she interacted with the students and her community. She will be sorely missed. We are praying for her family and friends,” Felton said in a statement.
The WNBA also acknowledged Jackson's death, writing, "We are saddened to learn of the passing of a member of our WNBA family, Tiffany Jackson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tiffany’s family."
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.