Bowling Green, Ky. - Former Western Kentucky University women's basketball player Cacie Pope passed away Sunday night in California following a lengthy battle with brain cancer.

"The Lady Topper Family is deeply saddened by Cacie's passing, but we are grateful to have known her and are blessed to have had her in our lives," said Lady Topper head coach Mary Taylor Cowles, who recruited and signed Pope out of Artesia High School in Lakewood, Calif. "Cacie's unbelievable strength and spirit was - and will continue to be - an inspiration to everyone who knew her."

Pope, 24, was diagnosed with a brain tumor prior to the start of her freshman season in 2003. After missing that season and undergoing surgery to remove the mass, she returned to WKU and the basketball court for the 2004-05. Pope played and started in nine games that season, averaging 9.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game before illness shortened her season. She saw action in seven the following year before illness ended her playing career on the Hill.

Despite having her career cut short, Pope continued taking classes at WKU and was working towards her degree at the time of her passing.

Arrangements are still pending at this time.