Rest in Peace NBA morns the lost of Tennessee Vols former head coach Pat Summitt Due to Heart Failure….
Pat Summitt, the legendary head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, passed away on June 28, 2016, at the age of 64, after a courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Summitt’s coaching career spanned from 1974 to 2012, during which she amassed 1,098 career wins—the most in college basketball history at the time of her retirement. Under her leadership, the Lady Vols secured eight NCAA Division I basketball championships, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time.
In 2011, Summitt bravely announced her diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, bringing national attention to the condition. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to coach for an additional season before retiring in 2012. Her openness about her illness helped raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association honored Summitt’s contributions, stating, “Coach Summitt was a courageous advocate for this cause. In honor of her struggle and the challenges faced by millions of Americans, we will continue to aggressively pursue greater awareness, support for families, and research that will slow, stop, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s disease.”
Summitt’s legacy extends beyond her impressive coaching record; she was a trailblazer for women’s sports and an inspiration to many. Her impact on basketball and her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness continue to influence and inspire.
For more insight into Pat Summitt’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease, you can watch her discuss her diagnosis in this interview:
