Georgetown’s Tasha Butts, 41, dies after breast cancer fight

Georgetown women’s basketball coach Tasha Butts tragically passed away on Monday after a valiant two-year battle with breast cancer, according to the school’s athletic director. She was 41 years old.

In 2021, Coach Butts was diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer, which led to her decision to step away from coaching at Georgetown last month. Her diagnosis inspired the Tasha Tough campaign, a movement aimed at raising awareness and funds for women who cannot afford quality care, in collaboration with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Prior to her time at Georgetown, Coach Butts had an impressive coaching and professional WNBA career, joining the Georgia Tech women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach in April 2019, and later being promoted to associate head coach.

Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed expressed his condolences, stating, “I am heartbroken for Tasha’s family, friends, players, teammates, and colleagues. When I met Tasha, I recognized her as a court champion and an incredible individual whose determination, passion, and drive were unparalleled. She showcased these qualities both as a leader and in her courageous battle against breast cancer. During this challenging time, the entire Georgetown community will unite to honor her memory.”

Heartbroken 💔

We will be strong and stay
#TashaTough 💙 🤍
#HoyaSaxa
pic.twitter.com/8PTvAyK0H8

— Georgetown WBB (@GeorgetownWBB)
October 23, 2023

Coach Butts had taken over the position of Georgetown coach in April, expressing her enthusiasm for this new journey. She succeeded James Howard as head coach.

Georgetown president John J. DeGioia also mourned the loss, saying, “Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordinary. Tasha possessed remarkable character, determination, vision, and kindness. Our community, along with countless individuals across the nation who were inspired by her life, deeply mourns her absence.”

Hailing from Milledgeville, Georgia, Butts played collegiate basketball at the University of Tennessee under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt. During her time there, she contributed to four seasons of exceptional achievements, with a record of 124-17 and consecutive appearances in the Sweet 16. Her junior and senior years even saw her team reaching the national championship game.

Following her college career, Butts briefly played in the WNBA after being selected 20th by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2004 draft. Throughout her professional career, she represented Minnesota, Charlotte, and Houston, while also gaining international playing experience. She transitioned to coaching in 2007, starting as an assistant at Duquesne, then spending time at UCLA and LSU before her tenure at Georgia Tech and eventually being appointed head coach at Georgetown.

Georgia Tech coach Nell Fortner expressed her sorrow over Butts’ passing, stating, “The news of Tasha’s passing is incredibly sad. Tasha played a vital role in the success of our program. Her contributions as a member of our coaching staff are immeasurable. She was tough, demanding the best from her players, but underneath that toughness, she possessed an incredible empathy and care for those who needed her support. Tasha will be immensely missed, but her legacy will forever resonate with us.”

During Butts’ absence, Darnell Haney, an assistant coach, served as the interim head coach at Georgetown. Haney mentioned that he maintained constant communication with Butts during her treatment, keeping her updated on the team’s activities and providing her with footage from practice to uplift her spirits.

Teams nationwide posted videos on social media every Tuesday in October to provide support and remind Butts that she was not alone in her battle against cancer.

LSU associate head coach Bob Starkey, who serves on the board of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, expressed his deep sadness, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Tasha’s passing. Her incredible courage during her battle with cancer should serve as an inspiration to all. Let her spirit motivate us to continue working towards finding a cure for breast cancer in her honor.”

Coach Butts is survived by her parents, Spencer Sr. and Evelyn, her brother, Spencer Jr., and her nephew, Marquis.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.