I had a chance to meet legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt a couple years ago. She was in town to watch an Indiana Fever game and one of her star pupils, Tamika Catchings. When Summitt announced this summer that she had early onset dementia I felt sad at first.
Then I felt relief. When we sat down to talk at the newly named Bankers Life Fieldhouse, I ended our interview sharing with Summitt that I thought she was an amazing woman, and as a kid I dreamed of playing for her at Tennessee until I got cut from several basketball teams. I realized I would be better served writing about basketball. Knowing that I shared with Summitt how I felt about her greatness and accomplishments made me feel relief because I think when the opportunity presents itself to share with someone how they changed or influenced your life, you should go for it. As Summitt’s diagnosis proves, you never know if that chance will come again.
I could have used this space to talk about the year in sports – good and bad – but the only person I could think to write about was Summitt. As I watch her coach this year, the only word that comes to mind is brave. She’s delegated a lot of tasks to her trusted assistant coaches from timeouts to talking with media after the game. She doesn’t strut up and down the sideline as much as she used to, but when she does – watch out!
Still, to come out each and every night knowing that people are watching your every move can be daunting. Summitt does so with grace and dignity.
It’s been amazing to watch the support she’s received as the Lady Volunteers have traveled this season. Take for instance the Dec. 21 game against Stanford. The schools have met 28 times. Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer and Summitt have been friends for over 30 years. Normally when Summitt entered Maples Pavilion crowds would offer not so nice pleasantries. But on this night, all the legendary coach heard was cheers from a prolonged standing ovation. Stanford fans even waved “We Back Pat” towels. And VanDerveer taped a special message that aired on the scoreboard. I was emotional watching it on TV. I can’t imagine what the arena felt like.
As the Lady Vols continue their quest to add a ninth championship banner, I will continue to be in awe of Summitt’s bravery and strength through 2012 and beyond.
