Tiffany Jackson, a three-time All-American and nine-year WNBA veteran, left her last breath after fighting breast cancer since 2015 at the age of 37 on October 3rd, 2022, according to a press statement from the University of Texas Women’s Basketball team.
Jackson spent four years playing at the University of Texas. She served as an inspiration for hundreds of aspiring players in the program. She became the first player ever to average more than 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals, and 150 blocks for the Longhorns in a single season. Jackson then started playing in the WNBA in 2007. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and she fought the battle with cancer for seven years until her demise.
The New York Liberty drafted Jackson as the fifth overall choice in the 2007 draft. Her WNBA career didn’t kick off until she joined the Tulsa Shock in 2010. She played in 34 games the following season, averaging 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2015, and after receiving effective therapy, she entered remission in 2016. In 2018, she announced her retirement from the WNBA in order to become an assistant coach for Texas. Her most recent team was the Los Angeles Sparks.
Sad to hear about the passing of Tiffany Jackson. Always competitive and had the sweetest spirit. Rest in Power queen 🙏🏾 https://t.co/sC01sd0xzS
— Rebekkah Brunson (@twin1532) October 4, 2022
Late on Monday night, several of Jackson’s former teammates responded to the news of her demise. Jackson and Candace Parker were teammates with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2017. Candace Parker shared an Instagram Story with the following remark about Jackson “One of the brightest energies and great teammates. Rest in Power Tiffany”.
Chiney Ogwumike, a former teammate of Jackson’s and current player for the Sparks, also shared her grief at the passing of her comrade on Twitter “One of the first college basketball games that my sisters and I ever went to was at the University of Texas… and Tiffany Jackson immediately inspired all. May her soul rest in peace, sending love to her family”
The whole women’s basketball community and the NBA universe is mourning Tiffany Jackson’s demise.
