Athletes, coaches, lawmakers react to Pat Summitt's death
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Pat Summitt was the women's basketball coach at the University of Tennessee for more than four decades. She was an outsized presence who helped bring women's athletics to the forefront in America. Along the way, she touched thousands of lives both inside the gym and out.
As news of her death after a difficult fight with Alzheimer's disease spread Tuesday, there was an outpouring of grief from her adoring players, coaches, fans, and admirers.
For the state of Tennessee, few if any people born there had a bigger presence on the national stage than Summitt.
#Pat ...Unparalleled Impact https://t.co/LX1WpJcw76 pic.twitter.com/jAROi4AZ5S
— Lady Vol Basketball (@LadyVol_Hoops) June 28, 2016
@SenBobCorker hey Senator, how about calling the gov of Tennessee and tell him to lower the flags at half staff in honor of Pat!!
— VolFan (@1040steve) June 28, 2016
"Pat Summitt showed us the measure of a real champion." Full statement on her passing: https://t.co/lCwQyCs8dT
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) June 28, 2016
The current Lady Vols head coach, Holy Warlick, was also a player under Summitt from 1976 to 1980. Summitt handed over the reigns to Warlick in 2012, but admitted the current coach had been "doing the bulk of it" since her Alzheimer's diagnosis the year before.
My heart is broken. Pat & I shared a very special, special BOND that will NEVER be broken! I love u Pat!
— Holly Warlick (@HollyWarlick) June 28, 2016
Every athlete at Tennessee seemed to be influenced by the coach's presence.
NFL great Payton Manning, who sits on the board of The Pat Summitt Foundation and played college football at Tennessee, said in a statement that Summitt gave him valuable advice in college, and that they were supportive of each other's careers.
"It would have been a great experience to play for her. She could have coached any team, any sport, men's or women's," Manning said. "I will miss her dearly and I am honored to call her my friend."
Till the end, she appeared to have an influence over everyone the school.
Pat Summitt was all of our mothers. She makes me want to be a better man. No shortcuts! We will honor you in our lives. Thank YOU Coach! RIP
— Erik Ainge (@ErikAinge3) June 28, 2016
She taught us to compete fiercely, win humbly, lose graciously & live courageously! God Bless our Coach @patsummitt🍘 pic.twitter.com/uqJDIaHsEl
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) June 28, 2016
Her influence extended well beyond the state of Tennessee after all the years of racking up wins, awards, and miles jetting across the country collecting them and touching lives.
Legendary College Basketball Coach Pat Summitt Dies- RIP big Boss... You were amazing:) https://t.co/dDM05AXOep
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) June 28, 2016
We join the rest of the world in paying tribute to 1 of the greatest coaches of all time in any sport Pat Summitt pic.twitter.com/INilQBLL5m
— Pro Football HOF (@ProFootballHOF) June 28, 2016
Not many people make an impact in the lives of others the way Pat Summit did. Thank you Pat.
— stephanie white (@StephanieWhite) June 28, 2016
"Here's how I'm going to beat you. I'm going to outwork you. That's it. That's all there is to it."
— Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) June 28, 2016
- Pat Summitt#RIPPatSummitt
Had the privilege to cover the final two championships of Pat Summitt's illustrious career. She owned every room she ever walked into
— trey wingo (@wingoz) June 28, 2016
The @SEC mourns the loss of Pat Summitt. A true champion in every sense of the word.
— SEC (@SEC) June 28, 2016
Saddened by the news of the passing of legendary SEC women's basketball coach Pat Summitt. Rip sweet angel!!!
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) June 28, 2016
Sadden to hear of the passing of #PatSummitt she transcended sport, molded and helped so very many. Her name is synonymous with leadership.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) June 28, 2016