Georgetown women's basketball coach Tasha Butts, 41, has tragically passed away on Monday, following a courageous two-year fight against advanced stage breast cancer. The news of her untimely death was confirmed by the school's athletic director, Lee Reed.

Coach Butts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, which led to her stepping away from coaching Georgetown last month. Despite her own struggles, she used her diagnosis as a platform to raise awareness and funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund through the Tasha Tough campaign. The campaign aims to provide quality care to women who cannot afford it.

Expressing his grief, Lee Reed stated, "I am heartbroken for Tasha's family, friends, players, teammates, and colleagues. She was a true winner on the court and an incredible person whose drive, passion, and determination were unmatched. She exhibited these qualities throughout her coaching career and in her relentless battle against breast cancer. The entire Georgetown community will come together to honor her memory during this difficult time."

Coach Butts had an accomplished career before joining Georgetown. She previously served as an assistant coach at Georgia Tech where she made a significant impact on the program. Georgia Tech coach Nell Fortner expressed her sorrow, acknowledging the instrumental role Coach Butts played in the success of the team. She described Butts as tough on her players when needed, but always there to support them.

The news of Coach Butts' passing reached far beyond Georgia Tech and Georgetown. LSU coach Kim Mulkey praised Butts as both a great player and a successful coach who left a lasting impact on the lives she touched. Butts had previously served as an assistant at Duquesne, UCLA, and LSU.

During her time as a player, Butts was part of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols, where she played under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. She contributed to the team's impressive record of 124-17 and helped lead them to the NCAA championship game in 2003 and 2004. Butts also won four SEC regular-season championships during her tenure with the Lady Vols.

Tennessee coach Kellie Harper, grieving the loss of Butts, emphasized her remarkable ability to connect with people and her positive impact on women's basketball. Harper expressed the heartbreak of the Lady Vol family at losing one of their own, referring to Butts as a cherished member of their sisterhood.

Butts' basketball career extended to the WNBA, where she played for the Minnesota Lynx, Charlotte, and Houston after being selected 20th overall in the 2004 draft.

As news spread of Coach Butts' passing, the women's basketball community across the country paid tribute to her indomitable spirit and joined in the fight against cancer. Videos were shared on social media every Tuesday in October to uplift Butts and remind her that she was not alone in her battle against the disease.

Georgetown's assistant coach Darnell Haney assumed the role of interim head coach upon Butts' departure, but he maintained constant communication with her during her treatment, keeping her updated on the team's progress and sending her videos from practice to keep her spirits high.

Tasha Butts' passing leaves a void in the basketball world, but her legacy of strength, determination, and kindness will continue to inspire future generations. Georgetown University, along with the entire basketball community, mourns the loss of a remarkable coach and person, who made an indelible impact both on and off the court.

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