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The 41-year-old former college and professional basketball star and first-year head coach for the Hoyas died on Monday, Oct. 23 after being diagnosed with advanced stage metastatic breast cancer in 2021, leading to the "Tasha Tough" campaign that brings awareness to early screenings and detection.
"Tasha's passing is a devastating loss.," University President John DeGioia said. "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," he added. We offer her family our most sincere condolences."
Butts was a former first round pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx before stops in Charlotte and Houston after starring at Tennessee University under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt. Her coaching carousel took her from Duquesne University, to the University of California in Los Angeles, Louisiana State University and Georgia Tech before landing in DC and taking over at Georgetown.
Last month, she stepped away to focus on her treatment, and Georgetown named assistant Darnell Haney as the interim coach.
"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."
Butts is survived by her parents Spencer, Sr. and Evelyn, her brother Spencer, Jr. and her nephew Marquis along with an extended family and the entire women's basketball community. School officials said that the team and University will continue to honor her memory by keeping the "Tasha Tough" initiative going to continue raising awareness.
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