Pat Summitt passed away Tuesday morning at age 64, after a five-year fight with early onset dementia. Summitt was an iconic figure in women's basketball and sports in general, leading the Tennessee Lady Volunteers for 38 seasons. Her 1,098 career victories are the most for any head coach in Division I basketball history, men or women. Her Lady Vols teams reached 18 Final Fours and won eight national championships before her retirement in 2011.
People from every walk of life are remembering Coach Summitt on social media.
The President shared his thoughts, along with Tennessee’s top three elected officials.
"A role model to millions of Americans" —@POTUS on @LadyVol_Hoops' Pat Summitt: https://t.co/a5awog5dpx pic.twitter.com/mjamharF7J
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 28, 2016
"She outworked her rivals ... and became a role model to millions of Americans—including our two daughters." —President Obama on Pat Summitt
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 28, 2016
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Summitt. Read my full statement: https://t.co/tA3JcRmB7I. pic.twitter.com/yjH6Yp4n9e
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) 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
We have lost one of the greatest Tennesseans of all time. My full statement on Pat Summitt: https://t.co/GuynJE23RP pic.twitter.com/nmlxtbj01M
— Gov. Bill Haslam (@BillHaslam) June 28, 2016
Current Lady Vols head coach, Holly Warlick, shared her heartbreak following the passing of her mentor. Warlick played for Summitt from 1976-1980.
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
Prominent athletes, including some of Summitt's former players, shared their thoughts on her influence.
You held true to your promises...and some. Thank you Coach for always being the perfect role model I love you. #RIP pic.twitter.com/HvA1mODwfP
— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) June 28, 2016
Thank you Pat Summit for all you have done to inspire women to be their best self. This generation of women are forever changed b/c of you.
— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) June 28, 2016
RIP Pat Summitt. A legend and personal hero of mine for many many years. #sadday
— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) June 28, 2016
Coach @patsummitt was an all time great w/ a brilliant mind, a love of basketball and a deep loyalty to all around her. She will be missed.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 28, 2016
Legendary College Basketball Coach Pat Summitt Dies- RIP big Boss... You were amazing:) https://t.co/dDM05AXOep
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) June 28, 2016
The #VolNation will always remember the legacy that Pat Summitt left. Her impact on sports will live forever #VFL pic.twitter.com/cCq9u3i7ej
— Allan Houston (@ALLAN_HOUSTON) June 28, 2016
Rest In Heaven Coach Pat Summitt.#Legend pic.twitter.com/imqA1k80qB
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) 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
This is a truly sad day for the game of basketball with the passing of Pat Summitt. A True Pioneer.
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) June 28, 2016
RIP to the pioneer, icon and legend......Coach Pat Summitt!
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) June 28, 2016
HOFer Pat Summitt, a true ambassador for our sport, has also passed away. She championed women everywhere & created opportunities for them.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) June 28, 2016
Many in the media shared their thoughts about the legendary coach as well.
Every Lady Vol basketball player from 1976-2011 had the opportunity to play in at least one Final Four. #PatSummitt
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) June 28, 2016
Pat was simply a life changer. https://t.co/Leif1YvKYq
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) June 28, 2016
— Erin Andrews (@ErinAndrews) June 26, 2016
Having watched my own Dad suffer through Alzheimer's just want to say my thoughts and prayers are w/ Pat Summitt and her family. God Bless.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) June 28, 2016
For multiple generations, Pat Summitt has been among most universally admired people in sports. Wishing the best to her family and friends.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) June 26, 2016
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 University of Tennessee also shared tributes to the school's most legendary sports figure.
#RIP pic.twitter.com/FvkY4ZsCer
— Vol Photos (@Vol_Photos) June 28, 2016
"... genuine care, guidance and wisdom she unselfishly shared..." #Pat pic.twitter.com/4mWwXPtb9w
— Lady Vol Basketball (@LadyVol_Hoops) June 28, 2016
"I stand in awe of #Pat and what she accomplished on and off the court." - @UTCoachJones pic.twitter.com/yhKFXJmwcv
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) June 28, 2016
And this was former Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl while Summitt was reportedly in critical condition:
Pat, you are in my thoughts & prayers. My dear trusted friend,May God be with you & your family. Your legacy will live forever. #PrayForPat
— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) June 26, 2016
As for Summitt herself, her final social media post was a good one to go out on.
More College Basketball:
-- The Special Connection Between Tom Izzo And His No. 1 Fan
-- Clark Kellogg's Lesson Plan For Educating Student-Athletes
-- Villanova's Ryan Arcidiacono, Daniel Ochefu Surprise 4-Year-Old With Cancer
