Tasha Butts passes away at 41 after two-year breast cancer battle

Tasha Butts, the head coach of Georgetown University's women's basketball team, has passed away at the age of 41 after battling breast cancer for two years, according to the school's athletic department.

Georgetown's 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 knew she was a winner on the court, and an incredible person whose drive, passion, and determination was second to none. She exhibited these qualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown community, and we will come together to honor her memory."

Butts took on the role of head coach for the Hoyas in April, having previously spent four years on the coaching staff of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, where she was promoted to associate head coach in 2021.


She bravely shared her advanced-stage metastatic breast cancer diagnosis during the 2020-21 season and continued to contribute to Georgia Tech's success, helping the team secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Nell Fortner, the head coach of Georgia Tech women's basketball, remembered Butts, saying, "Tasha was so instrumental to the success of this program. What she did as a member of this coaching staff cannot be overvalued. She was tough – tough on her kids, tough in her expectations, but yet she was soft underneath when players needed her to be there for them, and she was always there for them. We are incredibly sad this day has come. She battled from the day of her diagnosis. We are proud of her fight to the end. We will forever love Tasha. She will forever be missed."

Before transitioning to coaching, Butts was a WNBA draft pick for the Minnesota Lynx in 2004 after her standout career at the University of Tennessee. In her rookie season, she played a key role in helping the Lynx secure 18 victories and a playoff appearance.

The WNBA paid tribute to Butts, stating, "Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the passing of Tasha Butts. A beloved member of the basketball community, Tasha was drafted 20th overall in 2004 by the Minnesota Lynx after a legendary career at Tennessee and was continuing her legacy as a renowned coach at the college level."


Butts also contributed as a graduate assistant for the University of Tennessee's Lady Volunteers under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, playing a part in their success, including reaching the Final Four and winning the 2005 SEC Championship.

Kellie Harper, the current head coach of Tennessee, shared her thoughts, saying, "Our program is heartbroken to lose a member of our Lady Vol sisterhood much, much too soon. Tasha was the type of person who connected with people everywhere she went. She had such a positive impact not only on our Tennessee family but on women's basketball as a whole."

Butts' basketball journey included playing overseas in Portugal and Israel and brief stints with the WNBA's Charlotte Sting and Houston Comets. She also contributed as a coach at UCLA and LSU.

Kim Mulkey, the head coach of LSU, remembered Butts, saying, "Tasha was a great player and went on to have a successful career as a coach too. More importantly, she had an impact on so many lives throughout her lifetime. We are sad to lose her at such a young age."

Tasha Butts was living with her parents, Spencer Sr. and Evelyn, her brother Spencer Jr., and her nephew Marquis.