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The sports world has lost an incredible legend. On Tuesday morning, Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in Division I college basketball history, died at the age of 64.
After news of her death spread, a number of people honored Summitt on social media:
RIP to the incomparable Pat Summitt – a pioneer who made sure we all knew that the great game of basketball didn't just belong to the boys.
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) June 28, 2016
Pat Summitt elevated women's basketball at a time when there was no prestige or money in it. She created that respect and changed sports.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) June 28, 2016
Pat Summitt's final tweet. So fitting. One legend paying tribute to another and lifting up service. 🔥 https://t.co/4AygSkMqwU
— Kevin Merida (@meridak) June 28, 2016
Hall of Famer
8 National Titles
Winningest coach in D-I CBB historyRemembering @LadyVol_Hoops legend, Pat Summitt: https://t.co/HG6sck57T7
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) June 28, 2016
Summitt was certainly impressive as both a coach and person. While this list still doesn’t do justice to all the things she accomplished throughout her lifetime, we have compiled some of her most undefeated moments. Check them out below:
Summitt started coaching at the University of Tennessee at 22 years old
Twenty-two years old. Some people don’t even graduate from college before they turn 22. Summitt even drove the team bus and washed the uniforms. That’s dedication.
Summitt celebrates her eighth, and final, national championship
To even win one national championship is an incredible feat. Summitt did it eight times. Few have even matched a quarter of her dominance and few ever will.
Summitt receives Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0zbZk_bFGw
In 2012, President Barack Obama presented Summitt with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Obama honored Summitt by saying, “Coach Summitt is an inspiration — both as the all-time winningest NCAA coach, and as someone who is willing to speak so openly and courageously about her battle with Alzheimer’s. Pat’s gift has always been her ability to push those around her to new heights, and over the last 38 years, her unique approach has resulted in both unparalleled success on the court and unrivaled loyalty from those who know her and those whose lives she has touched. Pat’s coaching career may be over, but I’m confident that her work is far from finished.”
Summitt accepts 2012 Arthur Ashe Courage Award
With some of her former players in attendance, from whom she received a standing ovation, Summitt was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The ESPYS in 2012. She ended her speech with the phrase, “I’m going to keep on keeping on … I’ll promise you that.” Now if that’s not undefeated, we don’t know what is.