Pat Summitt to Coach 'As Long as Lord Wills' Despite Dementia Diagnosis
Pat Summitt, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball – men’s or women’s – has been diagnosed with early onset dementia but will keep on coaching “as long as the good Lord is willing,” she has said yesterday.
“Obviously, I realize I may have some limitations with this condition since there will be some good days and some bad days,” Summitt said in a statement released by the University of Tennessee. “For that reason, I will be relying on my outstanding coaching staff like never before.”
Summitt says she plans to fight on, taking steps to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s through a regimen of medication and brain exercises, including reading and puzzles before bed, which doctors believe contributes to slowing the progression of the incurable disease.
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"There's not going to be any pity party and I'll make sure of that," she told the Knoxville News Sentinel, which first reported her condition.
The University of Tennessee athletics program has given Summitt its full support in her decision to keep coaching despite her diagnosis.
“We will stand behind her and support her in every way possible,” UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek said. “We look forward to her continued leadership as the Lady Vols head coach and I know that even through this adversity she will be an inspiration to all of us."
Support for Summitt’s fight against Alzheimer's has poured in from around the sports world on Twitter.
“Whenever you face adversity you tackle it head on,” tweeted UT alumnus Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks. “True inspiration for me and one of the strongest women I know. I love you and we will handle this together as the Lady Vols always have, like FAMILY."
Broadcasting legend Dick Vitale tweeted, “Please say a prayer 4 Pat Summitt as she is faced with her biggest challenge.”
And Tony Barbee, head coach of the Auburn University men’s basketball team, tweeted, “Best wishes to Pat Summitt and her family as she battles through these difficult times. I have no doubt she will be able handle the challenge.”
As head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team since 1974, Summitt has accumulated 1,071 wins, 29 Southeastern Conference titles, and eight NCAA championships. No other NCAA coach has won more.
Summitt and her family have said they will rely on support from friends, family, and God to continue their winning ways.
"This will be a new chapter for my mom and me,” son Tyler Summitt said. “And we will continue to work as a team like we always have done. We both appreciate the continued support of the Lady Vol family. Our faith is in the Lord and we trust that God has a plan for us. Looking forward, nobody is as ready for the 2011-12 basketball season to start as much as the Summitt family. God Bless."
