MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Pat Summitt began her career as college coach driving the team van and ultimately drove women’s basketball into the limelight. The legendary Tennessee coach, 64, succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s early Tuesday.
West Virginia women’s coach Mike Carey said Summitt’s legacy is unmatched:
“Pat Summitt blazed a trail for many young women who had the dream to play sports at the collegiate level. She was not only a tremendous coach, but a fantastic person. Her legacy will be remembered for years to come as the greatest to ever coach the game. I give my deepest condolences to Pat’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Summitt won 1,098 games—still the most by any coach in Division I basketball history—and led her Lady Vols to eight national titles and 22 Final Four appearances during 38 seasons at Tennessee.