64 days.
Today is going to move slightly away from the football theme and into a tribute for one of our greatest Vols, Coach Pat Summitt. Regardless of the sport, regardless of the person, she had something to teach all of us and prove to ourselves there is nothing that cannot be achieved. She was a coach, a role model, a shining example, an icon and epitomized what Vol For Life truly meant. She was a giant, though as humble as a next door neighbor.
Coach Pat Sue Summitt, 1952-2016
"Here's how I'm going to beat you. I'm going to outwork you. That's it. That's all there is to it."
"Attitude lies somewhere between emotion and logic. It's that curious mix of optimism and determination that enables you to maintain a positive outlook and to continue plodding in the face of the most adverse circumstances."
"It is what it is. But, it will be what you make it."
"No one feels strong when she examines her own weakness. But in facing weakness, you learn how much there is in you, and you find real strength."
"God doesnt take things away to be cruel. He takes things away to make room for other things. He takes things away to lighten us. He takes things away so we can fly."
Under her tenure as coach, the Lady Vols achieved:
16-time SEC Champions (1980, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011)
16-time SEC Tournament Champions (1980, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012)
8-time NCAA Champions (1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2007, 2008)
And Coach Summitt was selected as:
8-time SEC Coach of the Year (1983, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011)
7-time NCAA Coach of the Year (1983, 1987, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2004)
1983Russell Athletic/WBCA National Coach of the Year
1990Inducted into the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame as a coach, the first year coaches were honored.
1995Russell Athletic/WBCA National Coach of the Year
1998Russell Athletic/WBCA National Coach of the Year
1998AP College Basketball Coach of the Year
1999Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class.
2000Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
2000Named the Naismith Basketball Coach of the Century.
2008Named Best Coach/Manager ESPY Award. Award encompasses all sports college and professional
2009Named to Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest coaches of all time (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, college basketball, and college football). She is listed in position 11.
2011Named Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year, December 6, 2011 in NYC.
2011Inducted into the Tennessee Women's Hall of Fame.
2012Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
2012Arthur Ashe Courage Award Recipient at the ESPY Awards.
2013Inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame on June 19.
And her awards and accolades include:
2nd in NCAA women's basketball championships (8)
Most seasons coached in NCAA/AIAW play without a losing record (38, lost more than 9 games in a season only 7 times and more than 10 games in a season only twice)
Most consecutive NCAA/AIAW postseason appearances (38, never missed a tournament)
Most number 1 seeds in NCAA Division I tournament history (21)
Most wins as an NCAA/AIAW Division I basketball head coach (1,098)
Most wins in NCAA tournament history (112)
Most NCAA Final Four appearances (18)
Most NCAA/AIAW Championship game appearances (15)
Most 20-win seasons in NCAA/AIAW play (36, all consecutive seasons)
2nd in 30-win seasons in NCAA/AIAW play (20)
Third all-time in NCAA Division I winning percentage (minimum 10 seasons) (.841)
45 former players have become coaches.
Every Lady Vol player who completed her eligibility at Tennessee under Summitt graduated with a degree or is in the process of doing so.
Every Lady Vol player who completed her eligibility at Tennessee under Summitt played in at least one Elite Eight.
Surely we are a lesser place today with her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during these trying times.
We will miss you, Coach.