Heidi Burge Horton Dies at 54, Basketball Legend Inspired Disney Channel Movie 'Double Teamed'

Former Virginia standout and WNBA forward Heidi Burge Horton died this past Monday at the age of 54.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Heidi Burge Horton," her alma mater said on social media. "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."

South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, who was college teammates with Horton, said that "we are all heartbroken."

The lives of Horton and twin sister Heather were immortalized in the Disney Channel Original Movie Double Teamed . The film chronicled their time at Palos Verdes High School in California.

Their journey continued in college at Virginia.

Horton averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across four seasons. She was on the Cavaliers squads that made three straight Final Four appearances from 1990-92 and finished runner-up to Tennessee in 1991.

Horton went overseas to play professionally until the WNBA launched in 1997. She suited up for the Los Angeles Sparks during the league's inaugural season and spent 1998 with the Washington Mystics.

According to Chron's Gwen Howerton , Horton eventually landed in Houston after a back injury ended her playing career. She founded Hoops School to coach youth basketball players.