Former WNBA Player Tiffany Jackson Dies At 37 From Breast Cancer
Tiffany Jackson, a former standout at the University of Texas and fifth-overall pick of the 2007 WNBA Draft has reportedly died from cancer. She was 37.
According to the Associated Press, the nine-year WNBA veteran, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, passed away on Monday (October 3). She was hired as a head women’s basketball coach at Wiley College in April.
In college, Jackson was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and was voted national freshman of the year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association in 2004. Upon finishing her Longhorn career, she finished ranked in the top five in career points, rebounds and steals. She’s also the only UT player to reach 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals and 150 blocks in a career.
“Tiffany had a great career and was an impact player,” former Texas coach Jody Conradt said. “She was recognized for her all-around game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions. She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing.”
In the WNBA, Jackson played for the New York Liberty, as well as the Tulsa Shock and Los Angeles Sparks. In 2011, she played her best season for Tulsa – averaging 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds.
After being diagnosed with cancer, Jackson returned to the court for her final professional season with the Sparks before retiring in 2017 at the age of 32. She went on to be an assistant coach at Texas for two seasons afterward.
