SiP Legends of the Game- Pat Summitt
When we look back on the greatest coaches in the history of sports, it’s easy to see why many of them are held in such high esteem. Coaches are judged on success, and success means winning. Some of the greatest coaches of the modern era, like Penn State’s Joe Paterno and Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, are in the midst of amazing careers right now, and we are fortunate enough to have an opportunity to watch them make history before our eyes.
However, there is much more to sports than just winning, and every now and then a coach will come along that truly embodies the passion, spirit, and love of the game, and their success is defined not only by wins but also by the impact they make on the life of every single player that is fortunate enough to have learned from them. One such icon and coaching legend is University of Tennessee Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt.
Summitt, a Tennessee native, has been coaching at UT since 1974 and has won 8 National Championships. She is the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, including men or women in any division, and one of only three collegiate coaches with 1,000 victories. During her tenure, the Lady Vols have won eight NCAA titles, as well as 27 Southeastern Conference tournament and regular season championships. Tennessee has made an unprecedented 28 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament and produced 12 Olympians, 19 Kodak All-Americans named to 33 teams, 72 All-SEC performers, 46 international participants and 43 professional players representing the ABL, WNBA, or overseas teams.
While Summitt’s aforementioned accomplishments are nothing short of staggering, they are only the tip of the iceberg. Summitt is not just a coach; she is an educator, a mentor, and a leader. In addition to her success on the court, Summitt has a 100 percent graduation rate for all Lady Vols who have completed their eligibility at Tennessee. Her goal has always been to put the players first, and her top priority is making sure that they discover the very best of themselves while under her tutelage. She has established herself as a true role model and ambassador of the game, and she serves as an example to all coaches who strive to help players develop the very best of their potential and character.
Pat Summitt is a perfect example of what all coaches should aim for when approaching their sport of choice and attempting to motivate and mold their players into exceptional athletes and upstanding young people. Her incredible accomplishments and continued dedication to her sport, her players, and her community make her the perfect coaching role model and one of our SiP Legends of the Game.