Tasha Butts death: What happened to Georgetown WBB HC?

Georgetown women's basketball coach Tasha Butts died on Monday morning, plunging the CBB fraternity into mourning.

Butts, 41, played as a forward for the Tennesee Lady Volunteers before being taken No. 20 in the 2004 WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx.

Her WNBA career was short-lived, but her coaching career included stints as an assistant at Duquesne, UCLA and (for eight years) at LSU.

Tasha Butts first joined the Georgia Tech women's basketball team as an assistant coach in 2019 before being made an associate head coach in 2021.

Butts had been the head coach of the Georgetown Hoyas since April before stepping aside a month ago due to complications with her health.

What happened to Tasha Butts?

In 2021, Tasha Butts was diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer.

Her diagnosis inspired the Tasha Tough campaign, which in collaboration with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund helped to raise funds and spread awareness of breast cancer for women who cannot afford the quality healthcare required.

According to Georgetown, Tasha Butts died due to complications arising from breast cancer.

Tributes pour in for Tasha Butts

Lee Reed, the Georgetown athletic director released a statement of condolence:

“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.”

Georgia Tech women's basketball coach Nell Fortner also released a statement:

“The news of Tasha’s passing is incredibly sad. Tasha was so instrumental to the success of this program. What she did as a member of this coaching staff cannot be undervalued.

"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.”

John J. DeGioia, the Georgetown president paid his respects to the coach.

“Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordinary,” 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.”

Darnell Haney, Butt's assistant, was named the interim coach when she stepped away from her role last month.