WASHINGTON, DC – In the team’s 26th season, the Washington Mystics will honor Nikki McCray-Penson into the team’s second Hall of Fame class on Sunday, August 20. The induction ceremony will take place at halftime when the team hosts the Dallas Wings at 3:00 p.m.
“Our Hall of Fame celebration for Nikki was an event that she was so excited about and looking forward to,” said Mystics General Manager Mike Thibault. “We all wish so much that she could be here with us to celebrate. I’m glad that her family and friends will be here to see her honored for her Mystics legacy and be remembered for the wonderful person and player that she was.”
Fans will hear remarks from Mystics legends Chamique Holdsclaw and Murriel Page as well as watch a tribute video narrated by Dawn Staley. It will be followed by a banner unveil and jersey presentation to the Penson family.
Over her nine-year career in the WNBA, McCray-Penson played four seasons with the Mystics (1998-2001) and helped lead the team to its first playoff appearance in 2000. She was a three-time WNBA All-Star (1999, 2000, 2001) with all three appearances as a member of the Mystics. McCray was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist as a member of the 1996 and 2000 USA Basketball teams.
McCray-Penson finished her career with the Mystics averaging 15.4 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, 2.4 assists per game and 1.2 steals per game. She scored 1921 total points with the Mystics, which currently sits eighth all-time in team history.
The halftime celebration will include the dedication of a $100,000 scholarship fund in Nikki McCray’s name, donated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman & CEO, Ted Leonsis. The fund will be administered through the D.C. College Access Program (DC-CAP) and used to support two African American female students each year over the next 10 years.
McCray-Penson, who passed away on July 7, 2023, after battling breast cancer, will join Vicky Bullett, Holdsclaw and Page as members of the Mystics Hall of Fame.
Several Mystics alum will be in attendance including Vicky Bullett (2000-02), Penny Moore (1998-99), Rita Williams (1998-99), Markita Aldridge (1999-01) and Tausha Mills (2000-02). Other special guests include former Mystics and Wizards Executive Judy Holland and former Mystics Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Krissy Kahler (98-02).
All fans in attendance will receive a t-shirt featuring McCray’s name and number. In celebration of her legacy, a number 15 decal will be featured on the Mystics court and on player jerseys. Fans interested in attending the game should visit WashingtonMystics.com.