Georgetown women's basketball coach Tasha Butts passed away on Monday after a courageous two-year battle with advanced stage breast cancer. The 41-year-old coach, who had been diagnosed in 2021, had stepped away from coaching duties at Georgetown just last month. Her passing has left the entire Georgetown community heartbroken, with an outpouring of support and tributes pouring in.

Tasha Butts was known for her incredible strength and determination, both on and off the court. Her diagnosis inspired the Tasha Tough campaign, a movement aimed at raising awareness and funds to provide quality care for women who cannot afford it through the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. The campaign has garnered significant attention and support, highlighting Butts' impact beyond basketball.

Georgetown's women's basketball team shared their grief on social media, posting a heartfelt message accompanied by the hashtag #TashaTough. They expressed their commitment to staying strong in honor of their beloved coach. The team's unity and resilience in the face of such a devastating loss are a testament to Butts' influence as a leader and mentor.

Butts had joined Georgetown in April 2023, coming from Georgia Tech, where she had been an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach. She had a long and successful career in both coaching and professional basketball, including playing for the legendary coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee from 2000 to 2004. During her time at Tennessee, the Lady Vols achieved back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances in 2003 and 2004, boasting an impressive 124-17 record.

Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed expressed his deep sorrow for Butts' family, friends, players, teammates, and colleagues. He described her as a winner on the court and an incredible person who exhibited unwavering drive, passion, and determination. Reed acknowledged the difficulty of this time for the entire Georgetown community but emphasized their commitment to coming together to honor Butts' memory.

Georgetown president John J. DeGioia also mourned the loss of Tasha Butts, describing her as an extraordinary person characterized by her character, determination, vision, and kindness. He emphasized her significant impact not only within the Georgetown community but also across the country, where she served as a source of inspiration for countless individuals.

During her treatment, Butts remained closely connected to the Georgetown women's basketball program, with interim head coach Darnell Haney providing regular updates and support. Haney described how they would share practice updates and send her videos to lift her spirits. They wanted her to know that she was never alone in her fight against cancer. Teams from all over the country joined in these efforts, posting videos on social media every Tuesday in October to show support and solidarity.

Butts' coaching journey included stints at Duquesne, UCLA, and LSU before her time at Georgia Tech. She spent eight seasons with LSU and was an integral part of their coaching staff. Following her college career, she was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2004 WNBA draft and had a brief career playing for Minnesota, Charlotte, and Houston.

Tasha Butts is survived by her parents, Spencer Sr. and Evelyn, her brother, Spencer Jr., and her nephew, Marquis. Her memory will live on through her incredible impact on the basketball community, her advocacy for breast cancer awareness, and her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.