Pat Summitt elevated women’s basketball

Women’s college basketball will never be the same again. Tennessee coach Pat Summitt stepped down Wednesday, leaving a void not only in the Lady Vols’ program, but women’s college basketball in general. Summitt had a big hand in building the women’s program at Tennessee and played a big role in the elevation of women’s college basketball in general. She is the all-time winningest coach – men or women – and leaves the sidelines as one of the most respected and successful coaches of all-time. She will be around the Tennessee program as coach emeritus, but it won’t be the same ever again. Her impact in women’s college basketball mirrors the success the late John Wooden had at UCLA.
Kentucky women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchell offered his thoughts after hearing of Summitt’s resignation.
“I want to thank Pat Summitt for all she has done for the sport of women’s basketball. Her 1,098 wins, eight national titles and numerous conference titles are just a few of her staggering statistics and accomplishments. What I think is more important about Pat Summitt than her impressive statistics, is the millions of people she has and continues to inspire. She motivated so many people during her 38 years to accomplish their dreams.
“Words can never express adequately how much gratitude I personally have for Coach Summitt. I am living a dream, coaching at Kentucky, because she gave me an opportunity to learn from her many years ago. Jenna and I will continue to support the Pat Summitt Foundation and Coach Summitt’s effort to bring awareness to this disease that she is so courageously fighting. I wish coach Summitt nothing but the very best as she starts the next chapter in her very impactful life. I love her very much.”