Former national women’s basketball team star Victoria Brick died on Monday after losing a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 43.

Brick is considered as a trailblazer for being the first Filipino-American to be recruited by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for its fledgling women’s program.

With future Philippine Sports commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston as head coach, Brick powered the Filipinas to a runner-up finish in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association tournament in Phuket before powering them to a bronze-medal finish in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The podium finish in the SEA Games was truly important for the country as it served as its first tournament since being slapped with a two-year suspension by the International Basketball Federation.

But with Brick running the plays, the Filipinas were able to advance to the semifinals before bowing to Malaysia, 56-74, paving the way for the growth of women’s basketball in the country.

Aside from Brick, also part of the squad were veteran Emilia Vega, Joan Grajales, Cassie Tioseco and Minerva Narciza.

University of Maryland, where Brick played from 2000 to 2004, expressed sadness over her passing.

“Our family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a Terp alumna and friend, Vicki Brick,” Maryland Women’s Basketball posted on social media.

“Brick played at Maryland from 2000 to 2004 and was named to the All-ACC Academic Team in all four years. She shot over 40 percent from the field in her career, averaging 5.7 points per game with 364 career assists.”

“She was also the captain in her senior year, helping them reach the second round of the NCAA tournament.”

After basketball, Brick married Evan Zupancic before giving birth to daughter Jordan. Then, she took over the business of her parents, Brick Bodies Fitness, and turned it into the biggest and most successful fitness gym in Baltimore until her untimely passing.