FSU Women’s Basketball Coach Brooke Wyckoff Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Says Prognosis is 'Excellent'
The head coach underwent surgery Tuesday morning to remove a cancerous mass
Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty
Brooke WyckoffFlorida State University Women’s Basketball coach Brooke Wyckoff had surgery to remove a mass that was diagnosed as breast cancer, the university said Tuesday.
Wyckoff, 43, underwent surgery to have the mass removed at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare on Tuesday morning, the university said in a statement. Her doctors "are optimistic that her long-term prognosis for a full recovery is excellent," the university said.
"My team of doctors along with the medical staff at TMH and I are very optimistic that this can be successfully dealt with while maintaining a high quality, active lifestyle," Wyckoff said before the surgery.
Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Brooke WyckoffThe Seminoles coach added, "I am very comfortable with the plan for surgery and post-surgical treatment, and I am looking forward to continuing to lead our women's basketball program through another successful season."
"Obviously, our utmost concern is for Brooke and her family, and we will be fully supportive in every way as we navigate this situation together," FSU VP and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said in a statement. "Brooke's positive attitude and proactive nature is a tremendous asset for her and illuminates the importance of being thorough and aggressive in attacking this illness."
Wyckoff is expected to return to the court sidelines on Nov. 6, when the Seminoles play Charleston Southern in Tallahassee. Wyckoff’s return will coincide with the 2023-2024 season opening game.
During her recovery, associate head coach Bill Ferrara will take over her duties during the upcoming Wednesday night exhibition game against Clayton State.
Want to get the biggest stories from PEOPLE every weekday? Subscribe to our new podcast, PEOPLE Every Day, to get the essential celebrity, entertainment and human interest news stories Monday through Friday.
Related: Stars Who Faced Breast Cancer and Shared Their Stories
This will be Wyckoff's second season with FSU. During her first season, the team posted a 23-10 record overall and a 12-6 record within the Atlantic Coast Conference. They reached the first round of the NCAA tournament, losing 66-54 to the University of Georgia.
Wyckoff was hired after Sue Semrau retired in 2022. She served as interim head coach in the 2020-2021 season, while Semrau was on a leave of absence, reports ESPN. Wyckoff played for Semrau from 1997 to 2001.
Grant Halverson/Getty
Brooke WyckoffRelated: Legendary Florida State Football Coach Bobby Bowden Dead at 91: 'He Was Admired By Everyone'
After graduating, Wyckoff played professionally in the WNBA from 2001 to 2009. She played for the Orlando Miracle, Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky during her career.
After her WNBA retirement, Wyckoff served as an assistant girls' basketball coach at Lakota East High School in Cincinnati. She joined the FSU coaching staff in 2011.
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.