Thank You and good-bye Pat Summitt

[66 mustang]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP)

Pat Summitt is stepping aside as Tennessee's women's basketball coach and taking the title of ''head coach emeritus'' with long-time assistant Holly Warlick being promoted to replace the sport's winningest coach.

 

 

 

SUMMITT STEPS DOWN

Scout.com caught up with Pat Summitt to discuss her decision after 38 years at the helm.

 

Tennessee released a statement Wednesday announcing the move.

 

The 59-year-old Summitt will report to the athletic director and help the women's program she guided to eight national titles. She says she supports Warlick, her assistant for 27 years and a three-time All-American playing for Summitt, as her replacement and wants to ensure the stability of the program.

 

The move comes less than a year after her diagnosis with early onset dementia-Alzheimer's type.

 

''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,'' said Summitt.

 

''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.

 

Summitt revealed her diagnosis on Aug. 23 after a few months of trying coming to terms with dementia, which had caused her problems with memory loss both on and off the court during the previous season. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that destroys cognitive abilities over time.

[heaven&hell]

I'm not a big Womens Basketball fan but I have to say that it's sad to see her retire as she's been a fixture in the sport for so long. It's hard to compare but even if she wouldn't have coached men I think she still would have been successful she is just a great coach period.