MSU head women’s basketball coach steps down

Mississippi State University women’s basketball coach Nikki McCray-Penson has steeped down as head coach to focus on her health effective immediately.

“Over the past several weeks, I have been faced again with health concerns I had hoped were behind me. In light of these developments, I have decided to step away from coaching in order to devote my full time and energy to addressing those issues. Although I look forward to returning to coaching when I am able, I believe this is the best decision for me and my family at this time. I appreciate the support MSU has shown me, and I will be pulling for the team’s success this season,” stated McCray-Penson.

MSU has announced that assistant coach Doug Nova will step in as interim coach until a replacement is selected for Penson.

The Bulldogs’ athletics director John Cohen weighed in on the situation.

“We appreciate the time and effort Coach McCray-Penson invested in our program and respect her decision to focus on her health and family. Throughout her time as a player and as a coach, Nikki has shown herself to be a competitor, and we fully support her as she takes some time away from the game to address her health concerns.”