Sports · Basketball · 21 hrs ago
Former Virginia basketball player Heidi Burge Horton dies at 54
Heidi Burge Horton, a former basketball player, has died at 54, the University of Virginia said.
She played for the university from 1989 to 1993 alongside her twin sister, Heather.
The sisters helped Virginia win three Atlantic Coast Conference titles and reach three straight women’s Final Fours.
Virginia also reached the national championship game in 1991, where it lost to Tennessee in overtime.
The twins’ story inspired the 2002 Disney Channel film Double Teamed.
Horton later played professionally overseas and in the WNBA, retiring in 2000 after a back injury.
Her obituary says she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in 2025, went into remission after chemotherapy and the disease returned in July; she is survived by her husband and two children.
Former University of Virginia basketball player Heidi Burge Horton has died at 54.
The university confirmed her death, but did not disclose its cause.
Horton played for Virginia alongside her twin sister, Heather, from 1989 to 1993.
The sisters helped Virginia win three ACC championships and reach three consecutive women’s Final Fours.
Their story inspired the 2002 Disney Channel film Double Teamed.
- Who
- Heidi Burge Horton, a former University of Virginia basketball player and WNBA player.
- What
- She died at 54. The cause of death was not disclosed by the university.
- When
- Earlier in the week before the university announced her death on October 8, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Not stated. An obituary said she was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma in October 2025, which returned in July 2026.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Heidi Burge Horton
Heidi was a cherished member of the Virginia Women's Basketball family, her legacy will forever be a part of Virginia Athletics.
Our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.
Horton played for the University of Virginia alongside her twin sister, Heather.
The sisters helped Virginia reach three consecutive women’s Final Fours.
Virginia lost to Tennessee in overtime in the national championship game.
Horton joined the WNBA after playing three seasons overseas.
Horton retired after a back injury.
Disney released Double Teamed, inspired by the sisters’ story.
Horton was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma, according to her obituary.
Her cancer returned, according to her obituary.
Virginia’s women’s basketball program announced her death.
- Age
- 54
- College team
- University of Virginia
- College career
- 1989–1993
- ACC championships
- 3
- WNBA teams
- Los Angeles Sparks; Washington Mystics
- Film
- Double Teamed, released in 2002
Sources
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