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Legendary Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt died on June 28 after a lengthy battle with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type.
Though a private funeral service was held on June 30, Tennessee hosted a celebration of Summitt’s life at Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday night, where the court is named “The Summitt.”
Fans and former players joined other Tennessee legends to celebrate the life of the coach who won eight national titles and 1,098 games over her 38-year career.
Former Tennessee women’s athletic director Joan Cronan told ESPN the celebration was a chance for Summitt’s fans to gather and share stories about the coach:
“It’s the right place to celebrate Pat — the place (where) she gave all of us so much,” said former Tennessee women’s athletic director Joan Cronan. “To me, this celebration is really a gift to the fans from Pat. They need an opportunity to say thank you and to celebrate her life.”
Tennessee QB Josh Dobbs shared a famous Summitt quote about perseverance on his Twitter:
"Right foot… Left foot… Breathe. Repeat.."
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) July 14, 2016
Dobbs had some company at the event, sitting next to an ACC football coach:
#Vols quarterback Joshua Dobbs and Duke football coach David Cutcliffe (longtime TN assistant) sitting together at Pat Summitt celebration.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) July 14, 2016
Plenty of Summitt’s former players gathered to pay their respects:
Tamika Catchings asks Lady Vols to stand up. Then crowd gives players standing ovation at Pat Summitt celebration.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) July 14, 2016
Two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning gave an emotional speech toward the end of the ceremony:
Manning said tears rolled down his cheek at Summitt funeral service in Clarksville. Voice cracked a bit as he said 'there goes our friend.'
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) July 15, 2016
Peyton: Even when Pat didn’t remember my name, she would point at me on the TV and say, “That’s my friend.” Man. Just … man.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) July 15, 2016
Summit began coaching at Tennessee in 1974. Her career lasted until 2012, when she stepped down to focus on fighting early-onset dementia.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
