Quntashea Lewis

August is Breast Health Awareness Month, and we take this time to honor three former WNBA players whose lives were cut short by cancer 🎗️💗💐 Tiffany Jackson: One of the most talented frontcourt players to ever come out of the University of Texas, Tiffany Jackson carved out a nine-year career in the WNBA. Her breakout season came in 2011, when she averaged (12.4) points, (8.4) rebounds, and (1.2) steals per game. But after missing the following year due to pregnancy, a string of injuries derailed her prime years. In 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer—adding another layer to her story as one of the sport’s biggest “what-ifs.” Her influence didn’t end on the court. Through the DFW T-Jack Squad, an AAU program founded by her late father, she helped shape the careers of WNBA players like Brittney Griner, Odyssey Sims, Teaira McCowan, Moriah Jefferson, Chennedy Carter, and Brianna Turner. Nicki McCray: A two-time SEC Player of the Year at Tennessee and a three-time WNBA All-Star, Nicki McCray shined brightest early in her pro career, averaging over 15 points per game during her time with the Washington Mystics. She was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, helping Team USA capture gold in 1996 and 2000. After her playing days, McCray turned to coaching—spending nine seasons on staff with Dawn Staley at South Carolina, where they won a national championship. Despite her cancer diagnosis, McCray continued her coaching journey, eventually becoming head coach at Old Dominion and earning C-USA Coach of the Year honors. Simone Edwards: Known as the first Jamaican-born player to reach the WNBA, Simone Edwards made history with her presence alone. A product of the University of Iowa, she joined the league alongside fellow Hawkeyes like Tangela Smith, Michelle Edwards, and Toni Foster. Edwards spent six seasons in the WNBA, winning a championship with the Seattle Storm in 2004.