Georgetown women’s basketball head coach Tasha Butts passes away at 41

Heartbreaking news has befallen the Georgetown and the college basketball world as a whole, as Hoyas women’s basketball head coach Tasha Butts has passed away at 41.

On Monday, the Georgetown University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Butts’ passing, due to a two-year battle with breast cancer.

“The Georgetown University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the passing of Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tasha Butts earlier today following a two-year battle with breast cancer,” a press release read. “Butts was a star player, nationally-recognized assistant coach and first-year head coach before her death at age 41.”

Lee Reed, the Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Georgetown, provided a heartfelt statement on the matter, as it’s evident Georgetown is suffering a monumental loss.

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

Moreover, Butts joined the Hoyas via Georgia Tech this offseason, a she’s amassed impressive experiences during her long coaching and professional WNBA career. Butts joined the Yellow Jackets women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach in April 2019, and was promoted to associate head coach in April 2021, before being hired by the Hoyas.

Continuing, John J. DeGioia, Georgetown University President, also added his thoughts on the matter, as it’s an emotional day for everyone involved.

“Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordinary—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. We offer her family our most sincere condolences,” said DeGioia.

Later in their press release, Georgetown provided some insight into what the future of their program will look like, following Butts’ passing.

“With the 2023-24 campaign tipping off in November, Darnell Haney has been named Georgetown’s interim head coach for the season,” Georgetown reported. “The Hoyas and BIG EAST Conference will continue to honor Butts’ memory all season keeping her Tasha Tough initiative going to bring awareness to early cancer screenings and detection.”

The thoughts and prayer of the college basketball world as a whole are with Tasha Butts, her family, friends and Georgetown on Monday.