Legendary coach Pat Summitt died Tuesday at the age of 64, leaving behind a fantastic legacy.
One of the best coaches all time, and a coach synonymous with excellence and the sport of college basketball, Summitt was remembered fondly by many. Some of the stories shared on the day of her passing were so good we wanted to share them with you.
Here are some of the best Pat Summitt stories we came across on Tuesday:
My true story of Pat Summit. pic.twitter.com/uEo9EbkiSv
— Courtney Banghart (@CoachBanghart) June 28, 2016
Another great Pat Summitt story. Thanks Scott! pic.twitter.com/NqrjTc4YxN
— Erik Ainge (@ErikAinge3) June 29, 2016
This can be catalogued with the endless amazing stories coming out today regarding #PatSummitt. RIP pic.twitter.com/F5FnIRtDc9
— G (@GFunk_Error) June 28, 2016
Here is the handwritten recruiting letter Summitt sent to Candace Parker, explaining why she wanted to coach the future Player of the Year:
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
There’s this story shared by Tennessee’s radio guy in this Sports Illustrated article:
As Summitt settled into her seat in the first row, waiting for takeoff, the flight attendant in the jump seat opposite her began to sob. “What is it?” Summitt asked. “Tell me, what’s the matter?”
It turned out that years ago, upon leaving the floor after a game at Louisiana Tech, Summitt had spotted a girl in a wheelchair at the mouth of the tunnel. She walked over, dropped to one knee, and said, “Don’t let the way you are now define who you will be. You can overcome anything if you work at it.”
That little girl grew up to be the woman who would soon be getting out of that jump seat to work that flight, and for the moment she was overcome with emotion at having the chance to thank this woman who foretold how she could control her fate.
And then there is this must-read letter Summitt sent one of her players in 1982. The Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins has the full letter.
If you have another great Pat Summitt story to share, please send it our way.
