She’s also the only Division I coach who had every student athlete graduate under her leadership.
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Summitt changed the way people looked at women’s basketball with her work ethic and success.
The Syracuse men’s and women’s basketball coaches both admired the Tennessee legend for what she did on and off the court. Calipari noted how the WNBA, which was formed in 1996, might not be around if it wasn’t for the former Tennessee coach’s influence.
See photos of Pat Summitt’s record-breaking career.
Pat Summitt did not make excuses nor allow them from players. In the same year, she was also awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPN’s ESPY Awards by National Football League quarterback and fellow Tennessee alumni Peyton Manning.
Her father, Kevin Bankos, said she was an inspiration to many coaches and players.
“My very first year in coaching, I believe it was her last year”, Crawford said. Summitt’s family plans a private funeral and burial but will hold a celebration of her life July 14 at Thompson-Boling Arena, where the court is named after the former coach.
Summitt passed away at the age of 64. She was an assistant coach at Auburn University for eight years and worked the sidelines opposite of Summitt during her games against Tennessee. She spent time talking with me after the season.
“I just always appreciated Pat’s friendship and support”.
Barron, a Tennessee-native, was well involved with the men’s program at the University of Tennessee.
Summitt coached the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team for 38 years, winning eight national titles and becoming a renowned and revered ambassador for women’s sports. Back then we had 5-foot-4 point guards, not 5-10 players like they have today. She took 18 teams to the Final Four.
Women who played for Pat Summitt are remembering the legendary basketball coach who mentored two Wichita coaches. “She was an icon for young girls”, said Jessica Plisko.
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“The awareness of coach Summitt, of Pat Summit is, obviously brings it to the for front, what it shows is, this is a non-discriminatory disease”, said Bill Horrell, Development and Communication Specialist for the Great Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
