Wiley College announced on Tuesday that head women’s basketball coach Tiffany Jackson has passed away.
Coach Jackson signed on as head coach on April 20, 2022, and was preparing for her first season before passing away after a battle with breast cancer.
“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. Her dedication to Wiley College was evident in how she interacted with the students and her community. She will be sorely missed. We are praying for her family and friends,” said President and CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr.
Jackson had a well-established professional playing career.
She rose to stardom during her time at the University of Texas from 2003 to 2007 where she helped the Longhorns to 83 wins during that span and a Sweet 16 berth in 2003-04. After her freshman season, she was named National Freshman of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association and ESPN.com.
She is the only Longhorn to record at least 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals and 150 blocks.
Jackson was a three-time All-American and was selected to the All-Big 12 team in all four seasons,
including three first-team selections.
In 2007 she broke into the WNBA as the No. 5 pick in the draft. She played nine seasons in the WNBA before returning to her alma mater as an assistant coach in 2018. There she helped develop Charli Collier, who ended up being the top overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Jackson tutored Brooke McCarty, who was named an All-American by USA Today in 2018. She guided five players to All-Big 12 honors with three landing on the first team.
“Coach Jackson became a valued member of the Wildcat family the day she stepped on campus,” said Bruce Peifer, Associate Vice President of Athletics. “She greatly impacted the lives of our young ladies. We send our thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.”
The school says that they plan to honor Coach Jackson at the first women’s home game of the season.
Funeral services are currently pending.
