Breaking: Tennessee Head Coach Pat Summitt steps down

by Chris Cappella

            Legendary Tennessee women’s head coach Pat Summitt has announced she is stepping down form her post as head coach and will be the “head coach emeritus.”

            Summitt, who has been the head coach for the Volunteers for 38 years, turns 60 this June and was diagnosed with early onsets of dementia last year. Summitt will still have a role with the basketball program, mentoring students and coaches, and will help recruiting. Holly Warlick, a three-time Volunteer All-American and assistant on the staff for 27 seasons, will take over coaching duties.

"I've loved being the head coach at Tennessee for 38 years, but I recognize that the time has come to move into the future and to step into a new role. I want to help ensure the stability of the program going forward. I would like to emphasize that I fully intend to continue working as head coach emeritus, mentoring and teaching life skills to our players, and I will continue my active role as a spokesperson in the fight against Alzheimer's through the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund,” said Summit.

            Summitt is the all-time leader in wins in collegiate basketball (both men’s and women’s) with 1098. She won the SEC coach of the year eight times and NCAA coach of the year seven. Summitt was named Naismith coach of the century and won eight national championships.