Former All-American and WNBA veteran Tiffany Jackson tragically passed away on October 3, 2022, at the age of 37. Jackson played at the University of Texas for four years. She was a living legend for the program, inspiring thousands of up-and-coming players. She was the first-ever player to record over 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals and 150 blocks in a single season with the Longhorns. Jackson then entered the WNBA in 2007. In 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer which she battled for seven years before passing away.
Jackson was a forward at the University of Texas. She played for the program for four years before being drafted by the New York Liberty as the fifth overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Jackson played in New York for three seasons but changed teams in 2010. She signed with the Tulsa Shock, where she played for five more seasons. She retired from the WNBA in 2018, where she last played with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Tiffany Jackson has returned to the game she loved
In 2015, during his fifth season with the Shocks, Jackson was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. This would force him to leave the league and retire prematurely, only after eight seasons in the league.
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After undergoing treatment, Jackson would make a legendary return to basketball. She continued to play in an Israeli league for a while before being signed by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2017. She retired from the WNBA soon after in 2018 after playing for ten years. After her retirement, Jackson returned to her alma mater, the University of Texas, and became the assistant head coach of the women’s basketball program. Jackson then became the head coach of Wiley College, located in Marshall, Texas, in April 2022.
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Fans in the basketball community mourned his tragic passing, showing an outpouring of emotion and tributes on social media.
We lost a member of our Sparks family today. Our thoughts are with the Jackson family at this time. pic.twitter.com/3qCrLQC6vs
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) October 4, 2022
The WNBA also mourned the passing of Tiffany Jackson on Twitter.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our WNBA family member, Tiffany Jackson.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tiffany’s family. pic.twitter.com/7sppJscHmw
– WNBA (@WNBA) October 4, 2022
Ancien @TexasWBB Player and coach Tiffany Jackson died today at the age of 37. pic.twitter.com/E5gk0QuN8B
– Réseau Longhorn (@LonghornNetwork) October 4, 2022
We are saddened to announce the passing of our Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Tiffany Jackson.https://t.co/XfR7lVqQ29 pic.twitter.com/MXBDKG1ltp
— Wiley Athletics (@WileyAthletics) October 4, 2022
Gone, but never forgotten.
RIP Tiffany Jackson. ????https://t.co/EKcq32WM0J pic.twitter.com/JJTfMdItLf
— Texas Women’s Basketball (@TexasWBB) October 4, 2022
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again!!! Many girls growing up wanted to be like Candace Parker and Diana Taurasi. I wanted to be like Tiffany Jackson!!! We will miss you!!!
— Kelsi Baker (@CoachKBaker41) October 4, 2022
Today we lost a Tiffany Jackson XPantherette. She was an incredible mother, daughter, friend, teammate and role model to so many. Our prayers are with the Jackson family during this time. pic.twitter.com/VdtrEkkweO
– LaJeanna Howard (@Coach_LHoward) October 4, 2022
Prayers for the family and loved ones of former Texas and WNBA player Tiffany Jackson…????????????????????????????????
– Gustave Hutchins (@hutchtavus) October 5, 2022
RIP Tiffany Jackson ????????????????????????
—Rin (@Rin55770646) October 5, 2022
Today is a devastating day for many! A family has lost a daughter, a mother and a friend for many and the basketball community has lost a legend! Prayers of peace and comfort for all! RIP Tiffany Jackson! We will miss you very much! ❤️
— Cedar Hill Women’s Basketball (@CedarHillGBB) October 3, 2022
What’s your favorite Tiffany Jackson moment? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
