Basketball fans were confronted with tragedy this week when they learned that former college star Tiffany Jackson passed away at the age of 37.
Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015
According to CBS News, Jackson died on Monday due to complications associated with breast cancer, a disease she was first diagnosed with in 2015.
The network noted that Jackson played for the University of Texas where was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and named national freshman of the year in 2004 by the U.S Basketball Writers Association.
CBS News noted that after her time at the University of Texas, Jackson then went on to become the WNBA’s number 5 pick in its 2007 draft and played in the league for nine years.
Jackson’s alma mater released a statement regarding her death, calling the alumnus “a Longhorn legend” who “was beloved by teammates.”
Jackson was “one of the greatest players in the history of Texas Women’s Basketball”
Texas Head Coach Vic Schaefer was quoted as saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Tiffany Jackson, one of the greatest players in the history of Texas Women’s Basketball.”
“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,” Schaefer continued.
Schaefer then referenced the fact that Jackson was hired this past April to coach basketball at Wiley College, saying, “I know she was so excited to be the head coach at Wiley College for the upcoming season.”
As Schaefer drew to a close, he stressed that Jackson “will be sorely missed by so many,” adding, “Our deepest sympathies go out to her family.”
Wiley College released a statement of its own which said, “Wiley College is mourning the passing of the head women’s basketball coach, Tiffany Jackson.”
We are saddened to announce the passing of our head women’s basketball coach Tiffany Jackson.https://t.co/XfR7lVqQ29 pic.twitter.com/MXBDKG1ltp
— Wiley Athletics (@WileyAthletics) October 4, 2022
“We were extremely saddened at the passing of Coach Jackson, she was an incredible light for our students and an amazing member of the Wiley College family,” said Wiley president and CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr.