Tasha Butts was born on October 3, 1982, in Milledgeville, Georgia. She grew up in a loving family, with her parents Spencer, Sr., and Evelyn Butts, her brother Spencer, Jr., and her nephew Marquis. From a young age, Tasha showed a natural talent for basketball and quickly became passionate about the sport.
After graduating from Baldwin High School in Milledgeville, Tasha continued her education and basketball career at the University of Tennessee, where she played for the Lady Volunteers. During her time at Tennessee, she was coached by the legendary Hall of Famer Pat Summitt.
While at the University of Tennessee, Tasha Butts excelled both on and off the court. She was named a consensus All-American and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. Tasha also set records at the university, becoming the all-time leading scorer for her school.
Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in sports management and a minor in business administration, Tasha was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx as the 20th pick in the 2004 WNBA draft. She played as a forward for the Lynx, where she made a lasting impact on the team and the league.
After her time as a professional basketball player, Tasha transitioned into coaching. She served as an assistant coach at various NCAA schools, including Louisiana State University, UCLA, and Georgia Tech. In April of 2023, she was named the head coach of the Georgetown University Hoya's.
Tasha Butts was a beloved figure in the world of basketball. Her high school jersey, number 23, was retired in December of 2000, and she was honored by the city of Milledgeville with a day named after her in August 2004. Tasha's impact on the sport and her community was immeasurable.
Tragically, Tasha Butts was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2021. Despite a brave battle, she passed away in October of 2023, at the young age of 41. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to basketball and the lives she touched.
Tasha Butts will always be remembered as a talented athlete, a dedicated coach, and a beloved member of the basketball community. Her passion for the sport and her impact on those around her will continue to inspire for years to come.