Tasha Butts, Georgetown Women’s Basketball Coach, Dead At 41

Georgetown ladies’s basketball head coach Tasha Butts has tragically died following a battle with breast most cancers, the varsity introduced Monday.

She was simply 41 years previous.

In revealing the heartbreaking information, faculty president John J. DeGioia referred to as her dying “a devastating loss.”

“She was extraordinary,” DeGioia stated. “Tasha was a person of character, determination, vision, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by our community and by so many people around the country who have been inspired by her life.”

Butts starred on the court docket at Tennessee from 2000 to 2004 — enjoying ahead for Pat Summit … earlier than she was picked by the Minnesota Lynx within the second spherical of the 2004 WNBA Draft.

She ultimately obtained into teaching following her one season within the league, starting as an assistant with Duquesne in 2007. She later coached for LSU and UCLA, earlier than touchdown a promotion to the affiliate head coach function at Georgia Tech in 2021.

She discovered a ton of success because the chief of the Yellow Jackets, this regardless of being identified with breast most cancers throughout the 2021 season … and in April, she was named Georgetown’s head coach.

She stepped away from the crew final month, nevertheless, to proceed her struggle with most cancers.

“When I met Tasha, I knew she was a winner on the court, and an incredible person whose drive, passion and determination was second to none,” Georgetown AD Lee Reed stated. “She exhibited these qualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown community, and we will come together to honor her memory.”

The varsity introduced Darnell Haney would be the interim head coach for this upcoming season. It additionally stated Monday it and the Massive East will proceed to boost funds and breast most cancers consciousness by way of her “Tasha Tough” initiative.