Miller Lite and Lady Vol Network Give Fans Opportunity to Show Their Support and Win Big
Miller Lite is teaming up with the Lady Vol Network, the voice of University of Tennessee women's athletics, to support Pat Summitt in her fight against Alzheimer's by giving Vol and Lady Vol fans a chance to get involved in a number of ways. In conjunction with Cherokee Distributing and Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, the "Miller Lite Bikers Back Pat" program is selling exclusive t-shirts at local retail locations across Eastern Tennessee, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Pat Summitt Foundation, a component of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
From May through the end of July, legal-drinking-age consumers can purchase Bikers Back Pat t-shirts at their local Food City, Kroger, Walgreens and Pilot convenience stores throughout Eastern Tennessee, or at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. With a price of $14.99 plus tax, fans nationwide also have the opportunity to purchase these special t-shirts online at www.BikersBackPat.com.
The Miller Lite Bikers Back Pat program will culminate with a grand-finale party and live auction August 9, hosted by Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson and Cherokee Distributing Company. More information about the event and availability of tickets will be offered in June.
The auction will feature a "Tennessee Orange" Harley-Davidson signed by Summitt, valued at $25,000, and a pair of Lady Vol season tickets. In addition, Miller Lite will offer four VIP guest coach passes to one 2012-13 regular season Tennessee Lady Vol basketball game, including access to sit behind the bench during one of the games. For a complete list of all auction items, visit www.BikersBackPat.com.
"Miller Lite loves to give exclusive access to fans, but this program goes far beyond just the experiences," said Bob Scott, MillerCoors general manager-sales for Tennessee and West Virginia. "Coach Summitt is a true inspiration and we are honored to partner with Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson to show our support for coach and her fight against Alzheimer's."
Proceeds from the event will benefit The Pat Summitt Foundation, a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The Pat Summitt Foundation Fund was founded in November 2011 by Pat Summitt and her son, Tyler, to help ensure that no family hears a diagnosis like Pat's: early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. With the motto, "Together, we will win," the grant making foundation will support nonprofits that provide education and awareness; support services for patients, their families, and caregivers; and research, treat, and work to ultimately find a cure. For more information about the Fund, visit www.PatSummitt.org.
Monday, May 07, 2012
Daedra Charles-Furlow not retained; Lady Vols to hire assistant to head coach
Tennessee's Holly Warlick has hired two new assistant coaches and a director of women's basketball operations. And she's still not done with her staff makeover.
Warlick, who replaced legendary coach Pat Summitt on April 18, still has to hire an assistant to the head coach, a role similar to the one held by Stephanie Glance on Summitt's staff to start the 2009-10 season.
While this position has been restored, the director of character development has been eliminated. Former UT player Daedra Charles-Furlow, who held the position, hasn't been retained. Charles-Furlow had been on Tennessee's staff for four years. She came back as an assistant coach before moving into her new role before the 2010-11 season.
Warlick said that she hoped to meet with Charles-Furlow this week.
"I think she wanted to pursue other opportunities," Warlick said Sunday. "I'm extremely supportive of Daedra. She's been good for this program."
Warlick, who replaced legendary coach Pat Summitt on April 18, still has to hire an assistant to the head coach, a role similar to the one held by Stephanie Glance on Summitt's staff to start the 2009-10 season.
While this position has been restored, the director of character development has been eliminated. Former UT player Daedra Charles-Furlow, who held the position, hasn't been retained. Charles-Furlow had been on Tennessee's staff for four years. She came back as an assistant coach before moving into her new role before the 2010-11 season.
Warlick said that she hoped to meet with Charles-Furlow this week.
"I think she wanted to pursue other opportunities," Warlick said Sunday. "I'm extremely supportive of Daedra. She's been good for this program."
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Summitt has mountain named in her honor
Today the highest peak on Jasper Mountain, Tenn., has a new name — Pat’s Summitt after legendary former Lady Vols Coach Pat Summitt.
John “Thunder” Thornton, CEO of Thunder Enterprises, dedicated the peak on the new Jasper Highlands development to his long-time friend. In addition, Thunder Enterprises made a $50,000 donation to the Pat Summitt Foundation.
“Pat has touched many people’s lives both on and off the basketball court,” said Thornton. “I am honored to be able to name this peak after her. She is truly an inspiration to many.”
Summitt founded the organization in November 2011 to help other individuals who have been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type, and their families. The Foundation offers education and awareness support services, and research to treat, prevent, cure and ultimately eradicate the disease.
“In 38 years, Pat never had a losing season with the Lady Vols, and I know if anyone can lead the fight against Alzheimer’s, it’s her,” said Thornton.
Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer was also on hand to show support for his long time colleague and friend.
"I think she's doing wonderfully right now," Fulmer said.
"I think everybody has to appreciate the honesty she had with the whole thing. She's taken a real tough situation and turned it into as positive as it can be. She's touched so many thousands and millions of lives over the years and she's raised the awareness like nobody else could perhaps in our entire country."
John “Thunder” Thornton, CEO of Thunder Enterprises, dedicated the peak on the new Jasper Highlands development to his long-time friend. In addition, Thunder Enterprises made a $50,000 donation to the Pat Summitt Foundation.
“Pat has touched many people’s lives both on and off the basketball court,” said Thornton. “I am honored to be able to name this peak after her. She is truly an inspiration to many.”
Summitt founded the organization in November 2011 to help other individuals who have been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type, and their families. The Foundation offers education and awareness support services, and research to treat, prevent, cure and ultimately eradicate the disease.
“In 38 years, Pat never had a losing season with the Lady Vols, and I know if anyone can lead the fight against Alzheimer’s, it’s her,” said Thornton.
Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer was also on hand to show support for his long time colleague and friend.
"I think she's doing wonderfully right now," Fulmer said.
"I think everybody has to appreciate the honesty she had with the whole thing. She's taken a real tough situation and turned it into as positive as it can be. She's touched so many thousands and millions of lives over the years and she's raised the awareness like nobody else could perhaps in our entire country."
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Gender is no longer part of conversation about Pat Summitt
Title IX helped Pat Summitt increase relevance of women's sports by Holly Anderson - SI.com
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
Another honor for Pat Summitt
The awards continue to come in for Lady Vols Head Coach Emeritus Pat Summitt.
Tuesday, the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition announced that Coach Summitt is one of five people who received this year's Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognizes people whose careers have promoted or advanced physical activity, fitness, sports and nutrition related programs across the country.
Coach Summitt was not able to attend Tuesday's meeting, but her award will be presented to her at a later date.
Tuesday, the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition announced that Coach Summitt is one of five people who received this year's Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognizes people whose careers have promoted or advanced physical activity, fitness, sports and nutrition related programs across the country.
Coach Summitt was not able to attend Tuesday's meeting, but her award will be presented to her at a later date.
Warlick era under way in Knoxville
Coach influenced and motivated by dad's love of sports
Click here to read a nice article by Mechelle Voepel.
Click here to read a nice article by Mechelle Voepel.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Law to be LV Hoops Assistant
Tennessee head women's basketball coach Holly Warlick announced today the hiring of assistant coach Jolette Law to the Lady Vol staff.
Law, previously the head coach at the University of Illinois from 2007-12, will join recently hired assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Kyra Elzy and UT veteran assistant Dean Lockwood in filling Warlick's first coaching staff at Tennessee.
"I have known Jolette since she was a high school prepster we recruited out of Florence, South Carolina," said Warlick. "Our Lady Vol teams competed against her while she was a standout player at the University of Iowa, and I've gone head-to-head in recruiting and coaching against her while she was top assistant to Rutgers' Hall of Fame Coach C. Vivian Stringer.
"Besides the X's and O's of the game and her reputation as an excellent recruiter, Jolette is just a great individual and a terrific role model. She will be a great fit for us at Tennessee," Warlick said.
Law, long regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country, was named the seventh head women's basketball coach at the University of Illinois on May 11, 2007. During her tenure in Champaign, she led the Illini to a pair of postseason appearances while turning heads on the recruiting trail.
"I am extremely excited to be joining the Lady Vol family at the University of Tennessee," said Law. "It will be an honor to work alongside Holly and such a great staff at UT. I am truly blessed to have an opportunity to help continue the legacy that Pat Summitt built. Her program is one I admired and respected for so many years as an opposing coach. It's incredible to be part of the tradition now."
Law went to Illinois following 12 years on Stringer's staff, including her last four as associate head coach. Known as a dynamic recruiter during her time with the Scarlet Knights, Law wasted no time establishing herself as a top recruiter at Illinois.
In November of 2008, she inked the No. 3 recruiting class in the country, the top-rated signing class in Illinois school history. Law followed up the historic 2009 signing class by inking two more top-100 recruits in the 2010 and one more in 2011.
On the court, Law led Illinois to 69 wins in five seasons, including two trips to the postseason WNIT. During her first season with the Illini in 2007-08, she guided the Illini to 20 victories, marking Illinois' first 20-win season since 1999-2000. The Orange and Blue made an historic run in the 2008 Big Ten Tournament, advancing to the championship game but falling just short of an NCAA Tournament bid in losing to Purdue on a buzzer-beater. The Illini earned a 2008 WNIT bid and advanced to the third round.
In 2008-09, Law had a young Illini squad playing its best basketball at the end of the season, as the team finished 6-5 in the final 11 games. That momentum carried over into 2009-10, when the Illini started 7-1 out of the gates and finished the season with 19 wins and a trip to the WNIT quarterfinals. The team finished strong down the stretch in both 2010-11 and 2011-12. During Law's fourth season at the helm of the program, the Illini reached the Big Ten semifinals once again and downed No. 7-seed Wisconsin and No. 3-seed Michigan. Illinois followed up with five wins in the final half of the 2011-12 conference season, including a victory over No. 10 Ohio State, 66-65, at Assembly Hall.
In addition to the team progress, Law helped develop Jenna Smith into one of the premier post players in the country. A 2010 Illinois graduate, Smith became the highest WNBA draft pick in school history when she was taken with the 14th overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the 2010 WNBA Draft. Smith left Illinois as Illinois' all-time leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker, thanks in large part to Law's tutelage.
Before arriving at Illinois, Law made a name for herself as a driving force behind Rutgers' rise to the top of women's college basketball. During her tenure, the Scarlet Knights saw remarkable success, including two Final Fours, three Elite Eights and three Sweet Sixteen appearances, among them the 2007 national championship game in Cleveland versus the Lady Vols.
Rutgers compiled a record of 257-125 (.673) during Law's tenure in New Brunswick, N.J., winning BIG EAST regular season titles in both 2005 and 2006 and the BIG EAST Tournament title in 2007. The Scarlet Knights featured 22 All- BIG EAST honorees, three BIG EAST Defensive Players of the Year and three BIG EAST Rookies of the Year. They also produced seven All-America selections and had eight players drafted in the WNBA during that span.
In addition to her tremendous technical expertise on the sidelines, Law also used her energetic and enthusiastic personality to help Rutgers bring in eight recruiting classes ranked among the nation's top 10 during her tenure, including three classes that were ranked No. 1 in the nation (1999, 2001 and 2006). Players such as Shawnetta Stewart, Usha Gilmore, Tasha Pointer, Tammy Sutton-Brown, Davalyn Cunningham, Rebecca Richman, Chelsea Newton, Cappie Pondexter, Essence Carson and Matee Ajavon, all of whom were drafted by the WNBA, benefited from Law's instruction and motivation on the court.
Law was a high school All-American at Wilson High School before graduating from the University of Iowa in 1990 with a degree in sports studies/corporate fitness. As the Hawkeyes' floor general, she helped Stringer lead the Hawkeyes to four consecutive Big Ten titles and a record of 105-18 from 1987-90. A Kodak District V All-American in 1990, she was a four-year letterwinner at Iowa and a two-time first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection (1989 and 1990). A member of the Iowa Hall of Fame, she still ranked sixth on the Hawkeye career steals list (205) as well as eighth in assists (353) and 20th in scoring (1,137). She also was a member of the 1988 Jones Cup Team.
Following her collegiate career, Law joined the Harlem Globetrotters from 1990-94 as the only current female team member, completing three worldwide tours with the team. As an ambassador of goodwill with the Globetrotters, she coordinated several basketball seminars and clinics in addition to her on-court performances. During her stint with basketball's greatest team, her picture appeared on Wheaties cereal boxes with her Globetrotter teammates.
After her playing career came to a close, Law spent one season coaching at Ball State (1994-95) before joining Stringer at Rutgers.
Law has utilized her skills and talents to create opportunities to participate in various national projects, including the "Great American Workout" with former president George H.W. Bush, the 1992 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Project D.A.R.E. in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Law has made a big impact on her hometown of Florence, S.C. Jolette Law Day was celebrated on Dec. 22, 1990, when she was presented the key to the city. Then in September of 2008, Law was honored the Florence School District One Distinguished Graduate.
THE LAW FILE
Full Name: Jolette D. Law
Birthday: December 7, 1967
Hometown: Florence, S.C.
High School: Wilson High School
College: University of Iowa, 1990
Degrees: Bachelor of Science in sports studies/corporate fitness
Coaching Career
2007-12: Head Coach, University of Illinois
2004-07: Associate Head Coach, Rutgers
1996-03: Assistant Coach, Rutgers
1994-95: Assistant Coach, Ball State
Playing Experience:
Harlem Globetrotters, 1991-94; One of eight females to play on the world-famous team since 1985
University of Iowa, 1987-90; Kodak District V All-American (1990), Two-time All-Big Ten Team (1989, 1990), Jones Cup Team (1988), Four-year letterwinner (1987-90), Member of Iowa Hall of Fame, Led Hawkeyes to four Big Ten Championships
Wilson High School, 1983-86; Three-time All-American, Four-time Athlete of the Year, Only retired jersey (boys or girls), Member of Wilson H.S. Hall of Fame, Member of Florence, S.C., Hall of Fame
Personal:
• Active in several educational and community service projects
• Originated and implemented marketing strategies for the "Jolette Law Future American Camps/Clinics"
• Participated in the Great American Workout with former president George Bush
• Volunteer for United Way' McLeod Children's Miracle Network Telethon; Boys & Girls Club of America and Project D.A.R.E
• Guest speaker at several collegiate basketball camps, luncheons and grade schools
• Member of University of Iowa Basketball Hall of Fame
Law, previously the head coach at the University of Illinois from 2007-12, will join recently hired assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Kyra Elzy and UT veteran assistant Dean Lockwood in filling Warlick's first coaching staff at Tennessee.
"I have known Jolette since she was a high school prepster we recruited out of Florence, South Carolina," said Warlick. "Our Lady Vol teams competed against her while she was a standout player at the University of Iowa, and I've gone head-to-head in recruiting and coaching against her while she was top assistant to Rutgers' Hall of Fame Coach C. Vivian Stringer.
"Besides the X's and O's of the game and her reputation as an excellent recruiter, Jolette is just a great individual and a terrific role model. She will be a great fit for us at Tennessee," Warlick said.
Law, long regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country, was named the seventh head women's basketball coach at the University of Illinois on May 11, 2007. During her tenure in Champaign, she led the Illini to a pair of postseason appearances while turning heads on the recruiting trail.
"I am extremely excited to be joining the Lady Vol family at the University of Tennessee," said Law. "It will be an honor to work alongside Holly and such a great staff at UT. I am truly blessed to have an opportunity to help continue the legacy that Pat Summitt built. Her program is one I admired and respected for so many years as an opposing coach. It's incredible to be part of the tradition now."
Law went to Illinois following 12 years on Stringer's staff, including her last four as associate head coach. Known as a dynamic recruiter during her time with the Scarlet Knights, Law wasted no time establishing herself as a top recruiter at Illinois.
In November of 2008, she inked the No. 3 recruiting class in the country, the top-rated signing class in Illinois school history. Law followed up the historic 2009 signing class by inking two more top-100 recruits in the 2010 and one more in 2011.
On the court, Law led Illinois to 69 wins in five seasons, including two trips to the postseason WNIT. During her first season with the Illini in 2007-08, she guided the Illini to 20 victories, marking Illinois' first 20-win season since 1999-2000. The Orange and Blue made an historic run in the 2008 Big Ten Tournament, advancing to the championship game but falling just short of an NCAA Tournament bid in losing to Purdue on a buzzer-beater. The Illini earned a 2008 WNIT bid and advanced to the third round.
In 2008-09, Law had a young Illini squad playing its best basketball at the end of the season, as the team finished 6-5 in the final 11 games. That momentum carried over into 2009-10, when the Illini started 7-1 out of the gates and finished the season with 19 wins and a trip to the WNIT quarterfinals. The team finished strong down the stretch in both 2010-11 and 2011-12. During Law's fourth season at the helm of the program, the Illini reached the Big Ten semifinals once again and downed No. 7-seed Wisconsin and No. 3-seed Michigan. Illinois followed up with five wins in the final half of the 2011-12 conference season, including a victory over No. 10 Ohio State, 66-65, at Assembly Hall.
In addition to the team progress, Law helped develop Jenna Smith into one of the premier post players in the country. A 2010 Illinois graduate, Smith became the highest WNBA draft pick in school history when she was taken with the 14th overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the 2010 WNBA Draft. Smith left Illinois as Illinois' all-time leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker, thanks in large part to Law's tutelage.
Before arriving at Illinois, Law made a name for herself as a driving force behind Rutgers' rise to the top of women's college basketball. During her tenure, the Scarlet Knights saw remarkable success, including two Final Fours, three Elite Eights and three Sweet Sixteen appearances, among them the 2007 national championship game in Cleveland versus the Lady Vols.
Rutgers compiled a record of 257-125 (.673) during Law's tenure in New Brunswick, N.J., winning BIG EAST regular season titles in both 2005 and 2006 and the BIG EAST Tournament title in 2007. The Scarlet Knights featured 22 All- BIG EAST honorees, three BIG EAST Defensive Players of the Year and three BIG EAST Rookies of the Year. They also produced seven All-America selections and had eight players drafted in the WNBA during that span.
In addition to her tremendous technical expertise on the sidelines, Law also used her energetic and enthusiastic personality to help Rutgers bring in eight recruiting classes ranked among the nation's top 10 during her tenure, including three classes that were ranked No. 1 in the nation (1999, 2001 and 2006). Players such as Shawnetta Stewart, Usha Gilmore, Tasha Pointer, Tammy Sutton-Brown, Davalyn Cunningham, Rebecca Richman, Chelsea Newton, Cappie Pondexter, Essence Carson and Matee Ajavon, all of whom were drafted by the WNBA, benefited from Law's instruction and motivation on the court.
Law was a high school All-American at Wilson High School before graduating from the University of Iowa in 1990 with a degree in sports studies/corporate fitness. As the Hawkeyes' floor general, she helped Stringer lead the Hawkeyes to four consecutive Big Ten titles and a record of 105-18 from 1987-90. A Kodak District V All-American in 1990, she was a four-year letterwinner at Iowa and a two-time first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection (1989 and 1990). A member of the Iowa Hall of Fame, she still ranked sixth on the Hawkeye career steals list (205) as well as eighth in assists (353) and 20th in scoring (1,137). She also was a member of the 1988 Jones Cup Team.
Following her collegiate career, Law joined the Harlem Globetrotters from 1990-94 as the only current female team member, completing three worldwide tours with the team. As an ambassador of goodwill with the Globetrotters, she coordinated several basketball seminars and clinics in addition to her on-court performances. During her stint with basketball's greatest team, her picture appeared on Wheaties cereal boxes with her Globetrotter teammates.
After her playing career came to a close, Law spent one season coaching at Ball State (1994-95) before joining Stringer at Rutgers.
Law has utilized her skills and talents to create opportunities to participate in various national projects, including the "Great American Workout" with former president George H.W. Bush, the 1992 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Project D.A.R.E. in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Law has made a big impact on her hometown of Florence, S.C. Jolette Law Day was celebrated on Dec. 22, 1990, when she was presented the key to the city. Then in September of 2008, Law was honored the Florence School District One Distinguished Graduate.
THE LAW FILE
Full Name: Jolette D. Law
Birthday: December 7, 1967
Hometown: Florence, S.C.
High School: Wilson High School
College: University of Iowa, 1990
Degrees: Bachelor of Science in sports studies/corporate fitness
Coaching Career
2007-12: Head Coach, University of Illinois
2004-07: Associate Head Coach, Rutgers
1996-03: Assistant Coach, Rutgers
1994-95: Assistant Coach, Ball State
Playing Experience:
Harlem Globetrotters, 1991-94; One of eight females to play on the world-famous team since 1985
University of Iowa, 1987-90; Kodak District V All-American (1990), Two-time All-Big Ten Team (1989, 1990), Jones Cup Team (1988), Four-year letterwinner (1987-90), Member of Iowa Hall of Fame, Led Hawkeyes to four Big Ten Championships
Wilson High School, 1983-86; Three-time All-American, Four-time Athlete of the Year, Only retired jersey (boys or girls), Member of Wilson H.S. Hall of Fame, Member of Florence, S.C., Hall of Fame
Personal:
• Active in several educational and community service projects
• Originated and implemented marketing strategies for the "Jolette Law Future American Camps/Clinics"
• Participated in the Great American Workout with former president George Bush
• Volunteer for United Way' McLeod Children's Miracle Network Telethon; Boys & Girls Club of America and Project D.A.R.E
• Guest speaker at several collegiate basketball camps, luncheons and grade schools
• Member of University of Iowa Basketball Hall of Fame
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Pat and Tyler Summitt fight Alzheimer's together
Click here to read a nice article about Pat and Tyler in the USA Today.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Holly Warlick Names Kyra Elzy to Coaching Staff
Tennessee head women's basketball coach Holly Warlick announced today the hiring of her first new staff member as Lady Vol standout Kyra Elzy will be returning to Rocky Top as assistant coach/recruiting coordinator.
Elzy, an associate head coach/recruiting coordinator at the University of Kentucky for the last four years, will fill the role held by former Lady Vol assistant coach Mickie DeMoss who announced on April 2 she was leaving UT to join the WNBA's Indiana Fever.
"I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to have Kyra on our staff," Warlick said. "From the time she was a player on our NCAA title teams in 1997 and 1998, she possessed a coach's mentality on the floor. As I have watched her collegiate coaching career progress, I have become more impressed with her each stop along the way.
"Kyra is a phenomenal recruiter possessing a great coaching mind and will complement Dean (Lockwood) and I perfectly. As a Lady Vol, she knows firsthand what our expectations are at Tennessee," Warlick said.
Elzy just completed her fourth season at Kentucky where she served as the recruiting coordinator and was responsible for coaching the guards of the 2012 SEC Champion Wildcats. This season marked her second as associate head coach after being promoted in August 2010.
"I am humbled, honored and excited for the opportunity to come back to the University of Tennessee as a coach for the Lady Vols," said Elzy.
"First, it was incredible as a student-athlete to be part of the history, tradition and legacy of the Lady Vols during my playing days. Now I am thankful for the privilege and the gift to return to the Tennessee program."
As a student-athlete at Tennessee from 1996-2001, Elzy's game excelled under the nation's all-time winningest coach in Hall of Famer Pat Summitt. A four-year letter winner, who actually spent five seasons in a Lady Vol uniform after missing the 1998-99 season with an injury, she was a member of two national championship teams (1997 and 1998) and a national runner-up squad (2000). During her time in Knoxville, she played in 126 games and earned the Holly Warlick Defensive Player of the Year award in 1997, the Unsung Hero Award in 1998 and the USA Today All-Injury Team that recognized athletes that compete while overcoming medical issues in 2000.
Elzy became just the fifth freshman in Tennessee history to start her first game as a Lady Vol when she started at guard in the 1996-97 season opener against Austin Peay. She also earned another distinction during her playing career, becoming the first UT player to earn her master's degree while still playing.
Also excelling in the classroom, Elzy was named to the 2000 and 2001 SEC All-Academic teams. She was a three-time member of the Lady Vol Academic Honor Roll (over a 3.0 GPA) and earned Tennessee's Dean's List honors each semester while in graduate school. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in cultural studies in education with an emphasis in sports psychology from UT.
While as a coach at Kentucky, Elzy was considered one of the top recruiters in the nation and helped UK sign a top-10 recruiting class three-straight seasons including the signing of four McDonald's High School All-Americans.
She was instrumental in helping UK advance to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, chart back-to-back-back 20-win seasons, including two NCAA Elite 8 appearances in 2010 (losing to Oklahoma) and 2012 (losing to UConn).
Elzy's guards received SEC recognition this past season as A'dia Mathies was named the SEC Player of the Year and rookie Bria Goss was named the SEC Rookie of the Year.
Under Elzy's tutelage, Mathies received UK's first SEC Freshman of the Year honor in 2010 and was named UK's first freshman All-American since Valerie Still in 1980.
Prior to Kentucky, Elzy spent four years as an assistant coach at Kansas. As the recruiting coordinator, she helped the Jayhawks land its first top 20 signing class in 2007 under head coach Bonnie Henrickson. She also helped KU earn two post-season bids in her four seasons. In 2006-07, KU finished 17-16 overall and advanced to the third round of the WNIT, while guard Danielle McCray was named Big 12 honorable mention.
Elzy also coached at Western Kentucky for two seasons under head coach Mary Taylor Cowles. She coordinated the recruiting efforts for the Lady Toppers and also worked with the guards and handled individual workouts. The Lady Toppers posted 20+ wins in both of her seasons at WKU, and in 2002-03 WKU won the Sun Belt Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Elzy helped coach Sun Belt Player of the Year Shala Reese and Newcomer of the Year Tiffany Porter-Talbert. In 2003-04, WKU was the Sun Belt runner-up and advanced to the quarterfinals of the WNIT.
Before coaching, Elzy spent one year as an administrative assistant under Henrickson at Virginia Tech. She was responsible for team travel, scheduling community service events, and working with the women's basketball summer camps.
Her outstanding prep career earned her induction into the Kentucky Lions Club Hall of Fame in 2009 after a standout prep career at Oldham County High School where she guided the Lady Colonels to four district championships, two regional titles and a state semifinal appearance during her prep career.
Personal
Full Name: Kyra ShaNae Elzy
Birthday: August 17, 1978
Hometown: LaGrange, Ky.
High School: Oldham County High School
College: Tennessee, `01
Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in cultural studies and education with an emphasis in sports psychology
Coaching Career
2010-12: Associate Head Coach, Kentucky
2008-10: Assistant Coach, Kentucky
2005-08: Assistant Coach, Kansas
2003-04: Assistant Coach, Western Kentucky
2002-03: Administrative Assistant, Virginia Tech
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Five Lady Vols named to 2012 SEC Academic Honor Roll
Briana Bass – Sport Management
Vicki Baugh – Kinesiology/Sport Psychology (Grad School)
Glory Johnson – Communications/Information (Grad School)
Alicia Manning – Sport Management (Grad School)
Taber Spani – Communication Studies
Summitt to receive Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup
Pat Summitt to be recognized at the 8th Wooden Cup Awards Tonight
Athletes for a Better World will present its 2012 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup on Wednesday, April 25 in a ceremony held in the Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga.
Pat Summitt, the esteemed University of Tennessee Lady Vols' basketball head coach emeritus will be honored as the professional recipient. During her 38-year career, Coach Summitt won more games than any other basketball coach in history (1,098), including a record eight NCAA Championships. More importantly, she is regarded as one of the finest role models in sports and has positively influenced countless athletes and young people.
The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is presented to two distinguished people in the field of athletics, one collegiate and one professional, for their character and leadership both on and off the field of competition and their contributions to sport and society.
Five collegiate finalists will be honored and recognized during the ceremony but only one will receive the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup and will be honored alongside Coach Summitt. The collegiate finalists include:
Tommy Chase - University of Notre Dame - Baseball
Aleca Hughes - Yale University - Ice Hockey
Roddy Jones - Georgia Tech - Football
Josh Nadzam - University of Kentucky - Track and Field
Cody Reichard - Miami University of Ohio - Ice Hockey
Founded by Athletes for a Better World, a non-profit organization committed to changing the culture of American sports, the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is open to athletes in all collegiate and professional sports.
John Wooden, who won 10 national championships as basketball coach at UCLA, is regarded as the greatest college coach of all time. Universally regarded as one of the finest human beings in the world of sports, his character, conduct and selfless gifts stand at the highest level by any standard. When Coach Wooden learned about Athletes for a Better World, he gave permission for his name to be associated with the annual award and spoke at the inaugural event in Los Angeles in 2005.
Recipients of the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup are chosen by a committee chaired by Vincent Dooley, former University of Georgia athletic director, and include more than 100 distinguished individuals involved in athletics across the country.
The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is one of the most prestigious awards in sports. Previous professional recipients include Dikembe Mutombo, Mia Hamm, Peyton Manning, John Smoltz, John Lynch, Andrea Jaeger and Cal Ripken Jr.
About Athletes for a Better World: Founded in 1998, Athletes for a Better World (ABW) exists to change the culture of sport by developing individual character, teamwork and civic responsibility through commitment to the Code for Living. ABW's vision is to have the code become a part of every sport at every level. ABW provides free support and resources to coaches and athletes across the country who want to teach and live out these values. ABW's Code for Living can be found on playing fields, locker rooms and athletic facilities across the country. Currently, ABW players and coaches are represented in every state and several foreign countries.
Athletes for a Better World will present its 2012 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup on Wednesday, April 25 in a ceremony held in the Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga.
Pat Summitt, the esteemed University of Tennessee Lady Vols' basketball head coach emeritus will be honored as the professional recipient. During her 38-year career, Coach Summitt won more games than any other basketball coach in history (1,098), including a record eight NCAA Championships. More importantly, she is regarded as one of the finest role models in sports and has positively influenced countless athletes and young people.
The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is presented to two distinguished people in the field of athletics, one collegiate and one professional, for their character and leadership both on and off the field of competition and their contributions to sport and society.
Five collegiate finalists will be honored and recognized during the ceremony but only one will receive the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup and will be honored alongside Coach Summitt. The collegiate finalists include:
Tommy Chase - University of Notre Dame - Baseball
Aleca Hughes - Yale University - Ice Hockey
Roddy Jones - Georgia Tech - Football
Josh Nadzam - University of Kentucky - Track and Field
Cody Reichard - Miami University of Ohio - Ice Hockey
Founded by Athletes for a Better World, a non-profit organization committed to changing the culture of American sports, the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is open to athletes in all collegiate and professional sports.
John Wooden, who won 10 national championships as basketball coach at UCLA, is regarded as the greatest college coach of all time. Universally regarded as one of the finest human beings in the world of sports, his character, conduct and selfless gifts stand at the highest level by any standard. When Coach Wooden learned about Athletes for a Better World, he gave permission for his name to be associated with the annual award and spoke at the inaugural event in Los Angeles in 2005.
Recipients of the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup are chosen by a committee chaired by Vincent Dooley, former University of Georgia athletic director, and include more than 100 distinguished individuals involved in athletics across the country.
The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is one of the most prestigious awards in sports. Previous professional recipients include Dikembe Mutombo, Mia Hamm, Peyton Manning, John Smoltz, John Lynch, Andrea Jaeger and Cal Ripken Jr.
About Athletes for a Better World: Founded in 1998, Athletes for a Better World (ABW) exists to change the culture of sport by developing individual character, teamwork and civic responsibility through commitment to the Code for Living. ABW's vision is to have the code become a part of every sport at every level. ABW provides free support and resources to coaches and athletes across the country who want to teach and live out these values. ABW's Code for Living can be found on playing fields, locker rooms and athletic facilities across the country. Currently, ABW players and coaches are represented in every state and several foreign countries.
Pat Summitt a pioneer for women
Pat Summitt won 1,098 games, more than any other college basketball coach. She won eight national titles and an Olympic gold medal. Every single player who spent four years at Tennessee on Summitt's teams graduated with a degree.
The numbers Summitt accumulated during her 38-year career are mind-boggling. The impact she had in transforming women's basketball from a six-on-six intramural game to one with worldwide pro leagues and college arena sellouts is immeasurable.
But Summitt's most lasting influence originates with "The Look." To say her gaze is piercing doesn't do it justice. Her blue eyes could burn holes through steel — or through the uniform of a player who got lazy on one errant pass.
Summitt, 59, began her coaching career in 1974, before there were any female U.S. Supreme Court justices, before "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher became prime minister, pre-Hillary Clinton, pre-Oprah Winfrey.
There weren't many tough female role models, or they were demonized as "women's libbers." But here was a leader whose glare was searing, demanding, critical. She wasn't afraid to yell instructions or stomp along the sideline in her high heels.
Her players didn't cower. They could take it. They wanted to win as much as she did. Summitt expected more, always more.
When she began coaching, women were considered too fragile to run the marathon at the Olympics. This summer, women's boxing will make its Olympic debut.
When she started out, young women were expected to sweat in the kitchen, not on the court, and nobody really wanted the $8,900 job of coaching a women's team. When she stepped down Thursday, weakened by early onset Alzheimer's disease, her salary was $1.5 million, and the Tennessee women's program was more successful than the men's.
Just as Billie Jean King made it cool to beat a man, Summitt made it cool to "act like a man," a description that seems ridiculous now. Who would expect girls or women to be any less competitive than boys or men? What father doesn't want his daughter to be aggressive on the field of play?
Summitt knocked down gender barriers that restricted females to acceptable "ladylike" behavior and aspirations.
"How awesome to see a female pumping her fist," said University of Miami coach Katie Meier. "Pat proved that kind of intensity is OK, which was a huge step forward for a lot of girls of my generation."
And for boys, who saw a strong, confident woman in charge.
"We are talking about a society in which there will be no roles other than those chosen or those earned," Gloria Steinem said of her vision of equal rights.
Summitt mastered multi-tasking before the term was invented. She was going into labor when she visited recruit Michelle Marciniak. She decided she could give her sales pitch to the point guard and give birth to son Tyler on the same day, and that she did, gutting out the contractions in Marciniak's living room before rushing to the hospital.
Marciniak repaid that commitment by leading Tennessee to a national title in her senior season.
A 'working mom'
Summitt has been a "working mom" for 22 years — 38 if you count all the mothering she did of her players, including their laundry in the early years.
Summitt was a farm girl who grew up near Clarksville, Tenn., milking cows, harvesting tobacco and playing basketball with her brothers in the hay loft. She learned discipline from her father and compassion from her mother, both of whom worked from sunup to sundown.
What sets Summitt apart is how she tempered that fearsome dragon lady look with devotion and generosity. She cooked for her players, counseled them, clowned with them and insisted they call her Pat. She made them puke at workouts and hugged them in the locker room. She allowed rival coaches to observe her practices. Among many things she did for her peers, she recommended Meier for her first head coaching job. Months later, Summitt approached Meier to ask how it was going.
"I think I can do this," Meier said.
"Well, you better," Summitt said, curling an arm around Meier's shoulder. "Because I have my name on you."
Important legacy
Meier took a few minutes during the team banquet Thursday to announce Summitt's decision to retire and take the title of "head coach emeritus" and talk about her legacy as the 40th anniversary of Title IX approaches.
"I told my players that they wouldn't be here and wouldn't have athletic scholarships without her," Meier said. "What I learned from Pat was that you can either feel challenged or threatened. Which kind of person do you want to be?"
Summitt is a fighter. The disease that has affected her memory, concentration and stamina is another challenge. Her wondrous career as coach might have been cut short, but just as her fire lifted women's sports, her dignity can lift awareness and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Summitt said she doesn't want a "pity party" as her assistants, former players and rival coaches broke into tears.
She gave them The Look, and they knew she wasn't about to lose this one.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Pat Summitt working on memoir with Sally Jenkins
Hall of Fame basketball coach Pat Summitt, who last week announced she was stepping down after 38 years at the University of Tennessee, has a book deal.
The record-setting leader of the Lady Volunteers' basketball team has an agreement with Crown Archetype, an imprint of Random House Inc., for a memoir that is currently untitled. According to Crown, which announced the deal Tuesday, the book will cover her "full life journey," including her diagnosis last year of early-onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. Publication is expected in spring 2013.
Summitt's final record stands at 1,098-208, 16 regular-season Southeastern Conference championships and 16 SEC tournament titles - the last won a month ago.
During her time, Tennessee never failed to reach the NCAA tournament, never received a seed lower than No. 5 and reached 18 Final Fours. Those Final Fours tie the UCLA and North Carolina men for the most all-time by a college basketball program, and she never had a season with a losing record.
"Basketball has always been far more than a game to me: it's a way of being, an ethic, and a value, and so my intention is that this will be more than a sports book," Summit said in a statement.
"Competition got me off the farm and trained me to seek out challenges and to endure setbacks; and in combination with my faith, it sustains me now in my fight with Alzheimer's disease," she wrote. "I look forward to sharing with readers the experiences that shaped me as a mother and a teacher and a leader, and how I've tried to shape the young women who wear the Tennessee Orange. This book provides me with yet another opportunity to do what I love to do most, which is to get up and go to work on an exciting challenge every day."
Summitt, 59, will collaborate on the book with Washington Post columnist Sally Jenkins. The two worked together on the motivational "Reach for the Summit" and on "Raise the Roof," about the Lady Vols' 1997-98 championship. Summitt won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball during her years at Tennessee.
Financial terms for the book were not disclosed. Summitt was represented by Robert Barnett, a Washington attorney whose clients include President Barack Obama and Barbra Streisand.
Longtime assistant Holly Warlick will take over for Summitt, who is becoming head coach emeritus. Summitt's new role will include helping with recruiting, watching practice, joining staff meetings, helping coaches analyze practice and games, and advising the Southeastern Conference on women's basketball issues and mentoring players.
Summitt also will work as a spokeswoman in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Alzheimer's Association to Honor Legendary University of Tennessee Lady Vols Head Coach Emeritus Pat Summitt and Son Tyler at National Alzheimer's Dinner
The Alzheimer's Association will present University of Tennessee Women's Basketball Head Coach Emeritus Pat Summitt and her son, Tyler Summitt, with its Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award at the Alzheimer's Association National Dinner on Tuesday, April 24. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Representative Mike Burgess, M.D., (R-TX), Colonel Karl E. Friedl, Ph.D. and advocate Garrett Davis will also be honored for their critical work in the fight against Alzheimer's. The evening will be hosted by Meredith Vieira, Special Correspondent for NBC News, whose brother is currently living with Alzheimer's disease.
Leader in the Alzheimer's movement and former first lady of California, Maria Shriver, whose father Sargent Shriver passed away from Alzheimer's, will present the Alzheimer's Association Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award. This honor recognizes an individual, organization or company whose actions have promoted greater understanding of Alzheimer's disease and its effects on diagnosed individuals, families and caregivers. Coach Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, publically shared her diagnosis of early onset, Alzheimer's type, last August at the age of 59. She and her son Tyler Summitt then created The Pat Summitt Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, to provide grants to nonprofits like the Alzheimer's Association that raise awareness of the disease, support families and advance research, all while leading the Lady Vols to an impressive 27-9 season.
"Pat Summitt and Tyler Summitt are grateful to be honored at the Alzheimer's Association National Dinner," said Danielle Donehew, Representative of The Pat Summitt Foundation Fund. "We are on the same team as the Alzheimer's Association; we are committed to supporting the millions of Americans impacted by Alzheimer's while we race toward better treatment and an eventual cure."
According to Alzheimer's Association 2012 Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures, 5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's. Approximately 200,000 of those people are under the age of 65 and living with younger-onset, also known as early onset, Alzheimer's. One of the benefits of early detection of Alzheimer's is the ability to remain active, plan for the future and become an advocate for the cause.
"The Alzheimer's Association applauds Coach Summitt for courageously sharing her diagnosis and helping to raise awareness of the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.," said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "The courage and dignity with which she lives on and off the court will help eliminate the stigma often associated with the disease."
Leader in the Alzheimer's movement and former first lady of California, Maria Shriver, whose father Sargent Shriver passed away from Alzheimer's, will present the Alzheimer's Association Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award. This honor recognizes an individual, organization or company whose actions have promoted greater understanding of Alzheimer's disease and its effects on diagnosed individuals, families and caregivers. Coach Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, publically shared her diagnosis of early onset, Alzheimer's type, last August at the age of 59. She and her son Tyler Summitt then created The Pat Summitt Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, to provide grants to nonprofits like the Alzheimer's Association that raise awareness of the disease, support families and advance research, all while leading the Lady Vols to an impressive 27-9 season.
"Pat Summitt and Tyler Summitt are grateful to be honored at the Alzheimer's Association National Dinner," said Danielle Donehew, Representative of The Pat Summitt Foundation Fund. "We are on the same team as the Alzheimer's Association; we are committed to supporting the millions of Americans impacted by Alzheimer's while we race toward better treatment and an eventual cure."
According to Alzheimer's Association 2012 Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures, 5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's. Approximately 200,000 of those people are under the age of 65 and living with younger-onset, also known as early onset, Alzheimer's. One of the benefits of early detection of Alzheimer's is the ability to remain active, plan for the future and become an advocate for the cause.
"The Alzheimer's Association applauds Coach Summitt for courageously sharing her diagnosis and helping to raise awareness of the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.," said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "The courage and dignity with which she lives on and off the court will help eliminate the stigma often associated with the disease."
NCAA Trophy that Pat Summitt made her own now deserves her name
Click here to read David Climer's column in The Tennessean.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Pat Summitt stepping aside as Tennessee coach could lead to her raising awareness of Alzheimer's
Click here to read a nice article by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports.
Summitt: It has been a 'great ride' at Tennessee
SA relaxed and smiling Pat Summitt said it's been a ''great ride'' and it is the right time for her to step down after coaching the Tennessee Lady Vols for nearly four decades.
''It has been a privilege,'' the Hall of Fame coach said Thursday during a press conference. Summitt will become head coach emeritus and longtime assistant Holly Warlick has been promoted to replace her.
''I just felt like it was time for me to step down knowing that Holly was going to be in great hands,'' said Summitt, who revealed on Aug. 23 that she had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. ''She's a great coach and you know I'm going to continue to support her. You know It's never a good time but you have to find the time that you think is the right time and that is now.''
Summitt, who won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball during her 38 years at Tennessee, discussed the decision to step aside on the court named for her after her 1,000th win.
''It was really a great ride for me,'' Summitt said.
The ride on the coaching carousel may be over for Summitt, but there are other challenges and honors ahead.
The White House says later this year Summitt will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
President Barack Obama said Summitt is an ''inspiration'' as the coach who has won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball history and for her willingness to ''speak so openly and courageously about her battle with Alzheimer's.''
''Obviously, I didn't see it coming, but that's a tremendous honor,'' Summitt said of the Medal of Freedom honor.
In her new role at Tennessee, Summitt will report to athletic director Dave Hart.
''I made a choice early in my career to challenge myself to step up my game each and every day,'' Summitt said. ''You can be sure I will take this same attitude into my new role as head coach emeritus and continue to teach our players the same commitment. I can promise you ladies I'm here for you. Trust me that that will happen.''
The 59-year-old coach revealed Aug. 23 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. Warlick, Summitt's longtime assistant, has been promoted to replace her.
During the press conference, Summitt called Warlick over and handed her a whistle.
''It is now time to turn over my whistle to you,'' said Summitt, who hugged Warlick and the crowed gave them a standing ovation.
''I know this works because I've heard it a lot of times,'' Warlick said, referring to the whistle.
Warlick isn't the only coach on the move. Tyler Summitt, Pat's son, will be an assistant women's coach at Marquette.
''This was her decision and I think that she took time after the season, thought about everything and the thing my mom's always taught me is to put the team before yourself,'' Tyler Summitt said. ''She really felt like this was the best thing for the Lady Vol program. She's still going to be in a mentoring role.''
Also on hand for the news conference were Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley and men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin.
Summitt tried to show people that it was possible to function even in the face of dementia and Alzheimer's. She had the blessing of Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy Cheek to keep coaching.
She delegated duties to Warlick, the associate head coach who directed the Lady Vols during games and addressed reporters postgame with other assistants taking on much more of the workload in an emotionally draining season that felt like a farewell tour it wound up being.
Yet Summitt's every move was studied to see how she felt, down to how many officials she yelled at or her icy glares at a player while overseeing a Division I program with a busy national travel schedule. After losing to eventual national champ Baylor in a regional final, Warlick's tears during the postgame news conference gave a glimpse of how exhausting the season had been and the possibility it was Summitt's last game.
''It has been a privilege to make an impact on the lives of 161 women who have worn orange,'' Summitt said. ''I am so proud of them the Lady Vols student athletes and the honor to see them graduate and become successful young women.''
Now Summitt can focus on her health and taking on duties that will keep her with the program she guided to eight national titles since taking over in 1974.
Summitt's new role will include helping with recruiting, watching practice, joining staff meetings, helping coaches analyze practice and games, and advising the Southeastern Conference on women's basketball issues and mentoring players. Summitt also will be working as a spokeswoman in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Summitt's final record stands at 1,098-208, 16 regular-season Southeastern Conference championships and 16 SEC tournament titles - the last won a month ago. During her time, Tennessee never failed to reach the NCAA tournament, never received a seed lower than No. 5 and reached 18 Final Fours. Those Final Fours tie the UCLA and North Carolina men for the most all-time by a college basketball program, and she never had a season with a losing record.
''Pat started coaching at a young age and no one will ever pass her on anything that she has done,'' Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said. ''There may be coaches that have more national championships but there will never be anyone who has meant so much to women's basketball. Pat now moves to the next chapter of her life.''
Every Lady Vol player who has completed her eligibility at Tennessee graduated under Summitt, and 74 former players, assistants, graduate assistants, team managers and directors of basketball operations are currently among the coaching ranks at every level of basketball.
''It has been a privilege,'' the Hall of Fame coach said Thursday during a press conference. Summitt will become head coach emeritus and longtime assistant Holly Warlick has been promoted to replace her.
''I just felt like it was time for me to step down knowing that Holly was going to be in great hands,'' said Summitt, who revealed on Aug. 23 that she had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. ''She's a great coach and you know I'm going to continue to support her. You know It's never a good time but you have to find the time that you think is the right time and that is now.''
Summitt, who won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball during her 38 years at Tennessee, discussed the decision to step aside on the court named for her after her 1,000th win.
''It was really a great ride for me,'' Summitt said.
The ride on the coaching carousel may be over for Summitt, but there are other challenges and honors ahead.
The White House says later this year Summitt will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
President Barack Obama said Summitt is an ''inspiration'' as the coach who has won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball history and for her willingness to ''speak so openly and courageously about her battle with Alzheimer's.''
''Obviously, I didn't see it coming, but that's a tremendous honor,'' Summitt said of the Medal of Freedom honor.
In her new role at Tennessee, Summitt will report to athletic director Dave Hart.
''I made a choice early in my career to challenge myself to step up my game each and every day,'' Summitt said. ''You can be sure I will take this same attitude into my new role as head coach emeritus and continue to teach our players the same commitment. I can promise you ladies I'm here for you. Trust me that that will happen.''
The 59-year-old coach revealed Aug. 23 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. Warlick, Summitt's longtime assistant, has been promoted to replace her.
During the press conference, Summitt called Warlick over and handed her a whistle.
''It is now time to turn over my whistle to you,'' said Summitt, who hugged Warlick and the crowed gave them a standing ovation.
''I know this works because I've heard it a lot of times,'' Warlick said, referring to the whistle.
Warlick isn't the only coach on the move. Tyler Summitt, Pat's son, will be an assistant women's coach at Marquette.
''This was her decision and I think that she took time after the season, thought about everything and the thing my mom's always taught me is to put the team before yourself,'' Tyler Summitt said. ''She really felt like this was the best thing for the Lady Vol program. She's still going to be in a mentoring role.''
Also on hand for the news conference were Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley and men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin.
Summitt tried to show people that it was possible to function even in the face of dementia and Alzheimer's. She had the blessing of Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy Cheek to keep coaching.
She delegated duties to Warlick, the associate head coach who directed the Lady Vols during games and addressed reporters postgame with other assistants taking on much more of the workload in an emotionally draining season that felt like a farewell tour it wound up being.
Yet Summitt's every move was studied to see how she felt, down to how many officials she yelled at or her icy glares at a player while overseeing a Division I program with a busy national travel schedule. After losing to eventual national champ Baylor in a regional final, Warlick's tears during the postgame news conference gave a glimpse of how exhausting the season had been and the possibility it was Summitt's last game.
''It has been a privilege to make an impact on the lives of 161 women who have worn orange,'' Summitt said. ''I am so proud of them the Lady Vols student athletes and the honor to see them graduate and become successful young women.''
Now Summitt can focus on her health and taking on duties that will keep her with the program she guided to eight national titles since taking over in 1974.
Summitt's new role will include helping with recruiting, watching practice, joining staff meetings, helping coaches analyze practice and games, and advising the Southeastern Conference on women's basketball issues and mentoring players. Summitt also will be working as a spokeswoman in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Summitt's final record stands at 1,098-208, 16 regular-season Southeastern Conference championships and 16 SEC tournament titles - the last won a month ago. During her time, Tennessee never failed to reach the NCAA tournament, never received a seed lower than No. 5 and reached 18 Final Fours. Those Final Fours tie the UCLA and North Carolina men for the most all-time by a college basketball program, and she never had a season with a losing record.
''Pat started coaching at a young age and no one will ever pass her on anything that she has done,'' Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said. ''There may be coaches that have more national championships but there will never be anyone who has meant so much to women's basketball. Pat now moves to the next chapter of her life.''
Every Lady Vol player who has completed her eligibility at Tennessee graduated under Summitt, and 74 former players, assistants, graduate assistants, team managers and directors of basketball operations are currently among the coaching ranks at every level of basketball.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Reaction to Summitt stepping down after 38 seasons
Reaction to Tennessee coach Pat Summitt stepping aside Wednesday after 38 seasons.
___
"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.
___
"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.
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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.
___
"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.
___
"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.
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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
___
"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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)