Georgetown Women’s Basketball Coach Tasha Butts Dies From Breast Cancer

On October 23, the Georgetown women’s basketball organization was saddened by the news of losing head coach Tasha Butts to breast cancer.

According to The Associated Press, Butts, 41, battled with the disease for two years after being diagnosed with advanced-stage metastatic breast cancer in 2021.

“I am heartbroken for Tasha’s family, friends, players, teammates and colleagues,” Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed, said. “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.”

The Georgetown coach stepped away from her position last month to undergo treatment. Interim coach Darnell Haney said, in an attempt to keep Butts’ mind off of her situation, they kept her up to date with the program. Haney said they did things to make her smile, like sending over practice film. Other teams across the U.S. showed their support on social media.

Lady Vols are #TashaTough!

Sending our love to LVFL @TashaButtsHoyas 🧡 pic.twitter.com/Z1HjzQbGYg

— Lady Vols Basketball (@LadyVol_Hoops) October 17, 2023

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the former WNBA star joined the Georgetown team this past April after coaching at Georgie Tech. She announced her diagnosis in 2021 while working as associate head coach, AP News reported. The news of Butts’ death came as a shock to former colleagues and Georgia Tech coach Nell Fortner.

“Tasha was so instrumental to the success of this program. What she did as a member of this coaching staff cannot be undervalued,” he said. “Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordinary,” Georgetown president John J. DeGioia said. “Tasha was a person of character, determination, vision, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by our community and by so many people around the country who have been inspired by her life.”

Coach Butts launched her “Tasha Tough” campaign to raise money for women battling breast cancer. She encouraged the Georgia Tech community to donate throughout the 2022-23 season with a $100,000 goal.