Mississippi State Head Women’s Basketball Coach steps down

Just four weeks out from Mississippi State’s first regular season game of the season, head women’s basketball coach Nikki McCray-Penson is stepping down.

According to a press release by the university, her decision is effective immediately as she focuses on her health.

McCray-Penson is quoted as saying she’s faced with health concerns she had hoped were behind her and that she’s taking a step back from coaching to put her full time and energy into addressing those issues.

McCray Penson was hired in April 2020 as the replacement to Vic Schaefer and coached the Bulldogs to a 10-9 record in her lone season with MSU.

Doug Novak will serve as interim head coach in her place.