Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Summitt recipient of WNBA award

Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt on Tuesday was named the recipient of the WNBA Inspiring Coach Award and will be honored at a later date during the league's upcoming season.

The award was given to Summitt in recognition of her profound impact on female athletes and her demonstrated commitment, passion and dedication to work, family and community, the league said in a statement.

The WNBA introduced the award in 2007 to honor coaches who have positively influenced athletes in various capacities and whose achievements leave an indelible mark on sports as a whole.

"We are absolutely thrilled to honor Pat Summitt for all of her professional accomplishments," WNBA president Donna Orender said in the statement. "On the court, she is an extraordinary coach who has won eight NCAA championships and now holds the all-time record for most wins in NCAA history.

"But what is more important is that she leads with her heart and soul. Her commitment and dedication to the development of women's sports and her passion for inspiring young athletes to achieve their dreams has been a source of inspiration to us all."

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