The University of Texas announced Jackson’s death on Monday due to cancer, describing her as “one of the finest players in Texas Women’s Basketball history.”
According to the university, Tiffany Jackson, a former star player at the University of Texas who was selected with the fifth overall choice in the 2007 WNBA draught and played nine seasons in the league, passed away from cancer. She was 37.
Jackson, who received her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, passed away on Monday. In April, she was appointed the head coach at Wiley College.
Jackson was chosen for the All-Big 12 team three times and was named the nation’s top freshman in 2004 by the US Basketball Writers Association. She concluded her time at Texas among the top five scorers, rebounders, and stealers of all time. She is the only member of the Longhorns to record a career high of 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals, and 150 blocks.
Tiffany had a successful career and made a significant contribution, according to a statement from former Texas coach Jody Conradt. “She was praised for her all-around ability, great mobility, and ability to play a variety of positions. Teammates loved her dearly, and we mourn her loss with them.”
The New York Liberty of the WNBA selected Jackson. She also participated for the Los Angeles Sparks and Tulsa Shock. 2011 with Tulsa was her best professional season; she averaged 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds.
After learning she had cancer, Jackson was able to return to the court and play one more season with Los Angeles in 2017 before calling it quits at the age of 32. She spent two seasons as a Texas assistant coach.
Coach Vic Schaefer of Texas said, “We are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Tiffany Jackson, one of the finest players in Texas women’s basketball history. “I am aware that she was ecstatic to start the following season as the head coach at Wiley College. So many people will miss her terribly. Her family is in need of our sincere condolences.”
