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

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

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.