The University of Tennessee Lady Vols have recently mourned the loss of two former players who significantly impacted women’s basketball: Daedra Charles and Nikki McCray-Penson.
Daedra Charles (1968–2018)
Daedra Charles was a standout forward for the Lady Vols from 1988 to 1991. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in securing two NCAA championships for Tennessee in 1989 and 1991. Her exceptional performance earned her the Wade Trophy in 1991, recognizing her as the nation’s top female college basketball player. Charles was also a two-time Kodak All-American and the Southeastern Conference Female Athlete of the Year in 1991. After her collegiate career, she represented the United States in the 1992 Summer Olympics, contributing to the team’s bronze medal finish. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. Charles passed away on April 14, 2018, at the age of 49. citeturn0search8
Nikki McCray-Penson (1971–2023)
Nikki McCray-Penson was a distinguished guard for the Lady Vols in the 1990s, earning SEC Player of the Year honors twice in 1994 and 1995. She was a two-time Kodak All-American and played a crucial role in Tennessee’s success during her collegiate years. Following her college career, McCray-Penson became a three-time WNBA All-Star, playing for teams including the Washington Mystics, Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Chicago Sky. She also secured two Olympic gold medals with Team USA. After retiring from professional play, McCray-Penson transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Rutgers University at the time of her passing. She died on July 7, 2023, at the age of 51, after battling breast cancer for a second time. citeturn0search3
The passing of these two athletes has left a profound impact on the Lady Vols community and the broader basketball world. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
