Pat Summitt diagnosed with early onset dementia; will still coach

A. Isaac Senior Editor

Some rather sad news in the world of sports today as Tennessee women’s basketball coach, Pat Summitt, announced that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Here’s her statement in full.

Pat Summitt 309x171 Pat Summitt diagnosed with early onset dementia; will still coach

University of Tennessee administrators have come out in full support of Summitt. Athletic director director Joan Cronan had this to say.

“Pat Summitt is our head coach and she will continue to be,” Cronan said. “She is an icon not only for women’s basketball but for all of women’s athletics. For Pat to stand-up and share her health new is just a continuing example of her courage. Life is an unknown and none of us have a crystal ball. But I do have a record of knowing what Pat Summitt stands for; excellence, strength, honesty and courage.”

Summitt is widely regarded as the greatest coach in basketball, regardless of gender. Here is just a brief summary of her staggering achievements over the years.

8-time National Champion at Tennessee
7-time NCAA Coach of the Year
16-time South Eastern Conference Champions
18 Final Four appearances
Basketball Hall of Fame inductee in 2000
Naismith Basketball Coach of the Century in April 2000

Vols’ Summitt diagnosed with dementia, will try to coach [CBS Sports]

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