On Monday, Texas women’s basketball announced the passing of Tiffany Jackson. The Longhorns basketball great and three-time All-American died at 37 after a battle with breast cancer.
Jackson was a high school standout in Duncanville, Texas, where she won a state championship in 2003. Among the Texas program's all-time career leaders, she ranks fifth in points (1,917), fourth in rebounds (1,039), third in steals (313) and seventh in blocks (181). She was the 2004 Big 12 Freshman of the Year and led the Longhorns to the 2004 NCAA tournament's Sweet 16.
"Tiffany had a great career and was an impact player," former Texas head coach Jody Conradt said. "She was recognized for her all-around game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions. She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing."
Jackson was selected fifth overall in the 2007 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty. She played three seasons with the Liberty before being traded to the Tulsa Shock in 2010 and had the best year of her WNBA career, when she averaged 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
Jackson was with Tulsa when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She went on to play one season with the Los Angeles Sparks before retiring after the 2017 campaign.
Since the news of Jackson’s death, former teammates, coaches, basketball organizations and family are remembering not only the athlete she was but also the mark she left on those who had the pleasure to know her.
