Legendary NCAA women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt has died at age 64.
The former Tennessee coach’s son Tyler released a statement on Tuesday morning.
“Since 2011, my mother has battled her toughest opponent, early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ and she did so with bravely fierce determination just as she did with every opponent she ever faced,” Tyler Summitt said, via The Associated Press. “Even though it’s incredibly difficult to come to terms that she is no longer with us, we can all find peace in knowing she no longer carries the heavy burden of this disease.”
Summitt, the winningest coach in Division I college basketball history, announced in 2011 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia. She stepped down from coaching the Vols a year later, finishing her Hall of Fame career with a record of 1,098-208 in 38 seasons. Summitt made 18 Final Four appearances and won eight championships.
Summitt and her no-nonsense approach left a permanent mark on the game of basketball. She will be missed.
