Former Ohio State women's basketball coach dies at 68

Former Ohio State women’s basketball coach Nancy Darsch has died at age 68.

According to a report from ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel, Darsch had Parkinson’s disease.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Ohio State Head Coach Nancy Darsch.

We extend our condolences to her family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/NPe1jAEW8v

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) November 3, 2020

Darsch coached the Buckeyes from 1985-97, finishing with a 234-125 record. She led Ohio State to the 1993 NCAA Title game, but lost to Texas Tech. That Red Raiders team was led by future 3-time WNBA MVP Sheryl Swoopes.

Darsch then joined the WNBA for its inaugural season in 1997 and coached the New York Liberty in the leagues first-ever game.

Current Ohio State women’s basketball coach Kevin McGuff passed along condolences:

RIP former Buckeye Nancy Darsch … incredible basketball coach but even better person and representative of our game …#GodSpeed

— Coach McGuff (@CoachMcGuff) November 3, 2020

Some reaction from the rest of the women’s basketball community as poured in as well:

RIP coach Nancy Darsch 🙏🏻

— Lindsay Whalen (@Lindsay_13) November 3, 2020

RIP to Nancy Darsch, who led the NY Liberty to the WNBA Finals in the league’s inaugural year in 1997

I had the pleasure of covering that team for @starledger https://t.co/csxrbodklZ

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) November 3, 2020

Nancy Darsch has served our game as a pioneer, a legend, a leader and a great basketball mind. Thank you, Coach! We are better because of you. https://t.co/hlnv7a2ecj

— Raegan Pebley (@RaeganPebley) November 3, 2020

Statement from the New York Liberty on Nancy Darsch. pic.twitter.com/lka4hyDnTQ

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) November 3, 2020

Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of former Mystics head coach Nancy Darsch. pic.twitter.com/rMuuHKJGUJ

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) November 3, 2020

USA Basketball mourns the loss of trailblazing coach Nancy Darsch.

Nancy assisted gold medal-winning Olympic teams in 1984 & 1996. Her contributions to growing the game were profound. We send our condolences to the Darsch family. pic.twitter.com/B0LEkKUm5J

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) November 3, 2020

“The Storm mourn the passing of former assistant coach Nancy Darsch. Her passion for and knowledge of the game of basketball made a lasting impression on our organization.”

-Lisa Brummel, Seattle Storm Co-Owner

RIP Coach Darsch pic.twitter.com/9nxUDfLano

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) November 3, 2020

I had the privilege of coaching with Nancy Darsch w/ @WashMystics so sad to hear of her passing. #RestInPeace https://t.co/f6bwh0OEfe

— Stephanie Rivera (@CoachRiv2) November 3, 2020

https://twitter.com/OSUmommaDOC/status/1323724321873952770