August 23, 2011

Pat Summitt diagnosed with dementia

For many years, the Cardinal's toughest opponent has been Pat Summitt and her Lady Vols. Today Coach Summit faces one of life's toughest opponents — Alzheimer's Disease.

No matter how many times they beat us, I always felt great respect for Coach Summitt's amazing accomplishments, for what she has done for women's basketball.

Today I also feel deep admiration for the courage and grace she showed as she announced her illness.

I wish her the best possible outcome in her fight against this dreadful disease — as much time as possible coaching the game that means so much to her and peace and comfort in whatever follows.

This is Coach Summitt's announcement:

Pat Summitt diagnosed with early onset dementia, by Dan Fleser (GoVol Xtra)

Pat Summitt's way will lead Lady Vols, by Michelle Smith (ESPNw)

Pat Summitt, Tennessee women’s basketball coach, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease by Sally Jenkins (Washington Post). Accompanied by a photo gallery that extends from Pat & her son Tyler cutting down the net at her fourth National Championship in 1996 to her induction into the Tennessee Women's Hall of Fame in 2011.

Tara's reaction to the news about Pat Summit: "Hearing today's news about Pat Summit's diagnosis was numbing to me. Pat is not only a great coach but she has been an outstanding mentor and friend. She has shown great courage in announcing this news. I know that she has the best support group around her that anyone could ask for, and I know that Pat will fight this development with the strength, spirit and determination that she has shown throughout her Hall of Fame career. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family."

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