Tiffany Jackson, a former WNBA standout who lost her fight with breast cancer this week, is being mourned by the sports community. She was 37.
Jackson played in the WNBA for nine years after making an impression at the University of Texas. For league teams like the New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, and Tulsa Shock, she commanded the court. She was hired in April to serve as the head coach at Wiley College, however she was unable to oversee a match.
Former Texas coach Jody Conradt called Jackson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, “an impact player” with a distinguished career.
“She was recognized for her all-around game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions,” Conradt said in a statement posted by University of Texas Athletics Monday. “She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing.”
Jackson’s passing was lamented on social media by many of her friends and former coworkers. Some emphasised the value of routine breast cancer screenings, pointing out that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
On Tuesday, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a group that seeks to fight breast cancer, posted a heartfelt homage to Jackson.
“Everyone at Komen was saddened to learn of the passing of former @WNBA player Tiffany Jackson, 37, from #breastcancer,” the foundation tweeted. “She was ‘one of the greatest players in the history of Texas women’s basketball,’ according to University of Texas coach Vic Shaefer.”
Wiley Athletics tweeted out a statement that referred to Jackson as an “incredible light for our students.”
