Reaction to Tennessee coach Pat Summitt stepping aside Wednesday after 38 seasons.
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"Love and s/o to the AMAZING Pat Summitt! What she did for the game will live forever. Changed lives daily. She'll be missed. (hash)gamechanger." — Miami Heat star LeBron James wrote on Twitter.
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"GREATEST coach ever!!! Stepped down today but never too far. Luv ya Pat! Congrats 2 Holly Warlick. ... — Reigning WNBA MVP and former Lady Vol Tamika Catchings wrote on Twitter.
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"It was definitely a shock because of the timing. Her legacy will always stand, so far as elevating the women's game and bringing people to our game. I do think it's also a relief for her and everybody involved at UT. She's not leaving and she'll still be a part of Tennessee and a part of the program." — Catchings
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"The end of an era. It's a huge time to celebrate and show appreciation for what Pat has done for women's basketball and for all of us who are involved in the sport and love it so much ... At the same time, it's a sad situation with her leaving under the circumstances as they are with her health." — Former Texas coach and Hall of Famer Jody Conradt
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"Words cannot adequately describe the extraordinary career that Pat Summitt has had in the world of basketball. She is a model of class and courage, and I don't think that enough can be said for just how much Pat has accomplished in building and elevating women's basketball to its current heights. Pat is Tennessee Basketball. — Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer
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"I think it's a sad day for me personally and a sad day for women's basketball. Pat Summitt is the John Wooden of women's basketball whether she's coaching or in the stands watching. She is a legend in the game. A great coach, a great ambassador in the game, and a great mother ... I would like to thank Tyler for sharing his mom with us for all these many years." — Baylor coach Kim Mulkey
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"She's my mentor, my friend and a part of my family and that will last forever. She has been a pioneer in opening doors for women in so many areas. Those who have played or coached for Coach Summitt always take a part of her with us wherever we go in our respective jobs. I've taken her with me in teaching young ladies to be the very best they can be. Her influence on this game, the University of Tennessee and the Southeastern Conference will always be impactful. That will continue in any role she plays." — LSU coach Nikki Caldwell
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"Without Pat, I really don't know where women's basketball would be today. The impact she has had on the game itself is immeasurable and her influence on so many people connected with the game has been even greater. Professionally, she has been my example of how not only to win, but to win with class and dignity. I feel blessed to have gotten to know her on a personal level and experience firsthand the loyalty and compassion she shows for the people in her life. "It is a sad day for the game, but I am confident that we will still feel her impact in the game for a long time to come." — Vanderbilt coach Melanie Balcomb
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"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." — Kentucky women's coach Matthew Mitchell
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"Pat's impact on our game is more widespread and transcendent than maybe any coach ever. Beyond the years and wins and championships, she personally invested in growing the game of women's basketball. I know that what she did impacted my ability to do what I love, coaching, and there are so many of us that will be forever grateful." — California coach Lindsay Gottlieb
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"I'll never forget my sophomore year, (at)patsummitt gave our pre-game speech before playing rival Florida... She had me too hype!! (hash)LEGEND" — New England Patriots receiver Donte' Stallworth wrote on Twitter
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"Pat's vision for the game of women's basketball and her relentless drive pushed the game to a new level and made it possible for the rest of us to accomplish what we did. In her new role, I'm sure she will continue to make significant impacts on the University of Tennessee and on the game of women's basketball as a whole.
"I am thrilled for Holly as this opportunity is well deserved and Pat will be a huge asset to her moving forward. — Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma
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"Pat Summitt has been everything to the sport of women's basketball — inspiring, focused, prepared, motivating, demanding and consistent. The same things she was to her players. Anyone who has been part of this sport the last 35 years should be grateful to Coach Summitt." — Saint Mary's College coach Paul Thomas
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"This is a day when all Tennesseans should recognize the wonderful gift that Pat has given the state. She has produced champions on and off the court, and she has brought great recognition to Tennessee. While we are sad to see Pat retire, we will always be grateful for everything she has done for the state and the University of Tennessee. I also want to congratulate Holly for her new role in leading Lady Vols basketball. As she steps into this historic role, she brings her own commitment and tradition of winning, and we look forward to watching her lead the Lady Vols next year." — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam
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"Women's college basketball will never be the same without Pat Summitt and women's college basketball would never be what it is today if it weren't for Pat Summitt. It's hard for people outside of Tennessee to understand how much Pat Summitt has become a part of the lives of so many citizens in our state." — U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., on floor of U.S. Senate
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"She has made an immeasurable impact both on and off the basketball court during her Hall of Fame career. The strength and perseverance that have defined her as a coach, mentor and role model were never more visible than through the incredible courage she displayed this past season. Without question, Pat is one of the strongest people I know. It is no surprise that she has not backed down from a challenge." — Denver quarterback Peyton Manning
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"Everyone who has coached women's basketball at any time during the past four decades owes an enormous debt of gratitude for what Pat has done for our game. There will be evidence of her efforts for many years to come. On a personal note my thoughts and prayers go out to Pat, to Holly, and to the entire Lady Vol Family. We are a nation of coaches who love and support all of you." — Former Texas Tech coach Marsha Sharp
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"I am happy for Pat. Her health and well-being are most important to me. She now can focus on doing things for Pat. She has given 38 years to UT and to women's basketball. Now, she can do what's best for herself, every day. I'm happy for my friend, and happy that she can begin a new chapter in her life. She's had such a unique and powerful impact on the women's game — not only on the college level, but on EVERY level. Her legacy will always be revered." — Indiana Fever assistant Mickie DeMoss, Summitt's assistant for 21 years.
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