Tasha Butts, who was hired to coach Georgetown University’s women’s basketball team last April, died following a two-year bout against breast cancer.
The former University of Tennessee star, who played under legendary coach Pat Summit, was 41.
Georgetown announced interim head coach Darnell Haney will coch the Hoyas for the entire 2023-24 season.
Butts had a long career as an assistant coach, including stops at UCLA (three seasons), LSU (eight seasons) and, most recently, Georgia Tech (four seasons) before landing the job with the Hoyas.
“I am heartbroken for Tasha’s family, friends, players, teammates and colleagues,” Georgetown AD Lee Reed said in a prepared statement. “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. 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.”
Butts was initially diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in November of 2021 while she was still an assistant with the Yellowjackets. After Georgetown hired her last spring, the Big East school announced that the 5-foot-11 Butts neded to take a leave of absence in September so she could deal with her sickness.
“Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss,” added Georgetown president John J. DeGioia. “She was extraordinary − 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. We offer her family our most sincere condolences.”
While at Tennessee, Butts helped Summit and the Volunteers win back-to-back National championships in 2003-04. She earned All-SEC Second Team honors a senior.
The Milledgeville, Ga., native was drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2004 WNBA Draft. She spent a year with…
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