Nikki McCray-Penson was born on December 17, 1971, in Collierville, Tennessee. She was a standout basketball player at Collierville High School, where she was named a McDonald's All-American. She then went on to play college basketball at the University of Tennessee, where she was a four-year starter and helped the team win three Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season championships and two SEC Tournament titles. In 1995, she was named the SEC Player of the Year.
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In 2006, McCray retired from playing basketball and began her coaching career. She served as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky University and the University of South Carolina before being named the head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in 2020. In her first season at Mississippi State, she led the team to a 24-6 record and a second-place finish in the Southeastern Conference. She was named the C-USA Coach of the Year in 2020.
In October 2021, McCray-Penson stepped down as head coach of Mississippi State to focus on her health. She was later hired as an assistant coach at Rutgers University.
McCray-Penson is a highly decorated basketball player and coach. She is a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and has won numerous individual and team awards. She is known for her passion for the game, her competitive spirit, and her ability to connect with players. She is a role model for young women everywhere and is an inspiration to all who know her.
Nikki McCray-Penson passed away on July 7, 2023, at the age of 51. She will be remembered as a pioneer for women's basketball and a dedicated coach and mentor.
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