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By Simone Carter
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The sports world is mourning former WNBA star Tiffany Jackson, who died this week after a years-long battle with breast cancer. She was 37.
Jackson impressed at the University of Texas before moving on to play for nine years in the WNBA. She commanded the court for league teams like the New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks and Tulsa Shock. Although she was brought on in April as Wiley College's head coach, she never got the chance to coach a game.
Jackson, who received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, was described by former Texas coach Jody Conradt as being "an impact player" with a celebrated career.
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"She was recognized for her all-around game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions," Conradt said in a statement posted by University of Texas Athletics Monday. "She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing."
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Many of Jackson's peers and former colleagues mourned her death on social media. Some stressed the importance of getting regular checkups for breast cancer, noting that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation, an organization that works to combat breast cancer, posted a touching tribute to Jackson on Tuesday.
"Everyone at Komen was saddened to learn of the passing of former @WNBA player Tiffany Jackson, 37, from #breastcancer," the foundation tweeted. "She was 'one of the greatest players in the history of Texas women's basketball,' according to University of Texas coach Vic Shaefer."
Wiley Athletics tweeted out a statement that referred to Jackson as an "incredible light for our students."
The WNBA acknowledged the star athlete's untimely death in a tweet on Tuesday, writing: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of a member of our WNBA family, Tiffany Jackson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tiffany's family."
The women's sports-focused digital platform TOGETHXR, co-founded by former WNBA basketball player Sue Bird, honored Jackson in a tweet.
"October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Rest well, Tiffany Jackson," the organization wrote, along with emojis of hearts and a white dove.
Karen Aston, head coach of the University of Texas at San Antonio's women's basketball team, tweeted a photo of Jackson on Tuesday that included the message: "We lost a friend, mentor, teammate, colleague and Texas legend in women's basketball yesterday. We would like to express our deepest condolences to her family and son Marley."
Notre Dame's women's basketball head coach Niele Ivey sent prayers to the late player's loved ones.
"Sending prayers to the family and friends of Tiffany Jackson! Praying God comforts you all during this difficult time !" she tweeted, adding a heart and prayer emoji.
Newsweek has reached out to Wiley College for comment.
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