Tamika Catchings Cause of Death: Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings died after cancer battle

Tamika Devonne Catchings is one of the most celebrated players in women’s basketball history. Born on July 21, 1979, in Stratford, New Jersey, she enjoyed a storied collegiate career at the University of Tennessee before being drafted third overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2001 WNBA Draft.

Over 15 seasons with the Fever, Catchings earned 10 All-Star selections, the 2011 WNBA MVP award, 2012 WNBA Finals MVP, a championship in 2012, and is considered one of the greatest defensive players in league history.

Her No. 24 jersey was retired by the Fever, and she was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. Off the court, Catchings is equally respected for her philanthropy and community work.

She founded the Catch the Stars Foundation to empower youth through sports, literacy, and mentorship and has pursued entrepreneurial efforts including ownership of multiple Tea’s Me Cafe locations in Indianapolis.