Two-time Lady Vol NCAA champion Melissa McCray-Dukes passes away

Former Tennessee Lady Vol basketball star Melissa Ann McCray-Dukes lost her battle with cancer on Monday. McCray-Dukes was 43 years old.

She played on four consecutive NCAA Final Four teams (1986-87-88-89) and started as a guard Pat Summitt’s first two national championship teams in 1987 and 1989.

“Melissa was one of the most incredible people you could ever meet,” Summitt said. “She fought cancer with the same determination and tenacity she showed on the basketball court. She went into every single day of her life as a winner. Melissa had incredible optimism but she also knew she was in God’s hands at the end of her fight. She has taught me so many life lessons over the last four years and she will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts go out to her family and many friends.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

• Melissa McCray-Dukes Passes Away (utladyvols.com)
• Former Lady Vol passes away after battling cancer (volunteertv.com)