Senator Lamar Alexander released the following statement on the passing of Pat Summitt:
“It’s hard for people outside Tennessee to understand just how much Pat Summitt became a part of the lives of so many citizens in our state. She took time for community events. She taught us the game of women’s college basketball. And she was so up front and personal about it, with her famous stare and her discussion of her extraordinary athletes, what their strengths were and what they had to work on. We all felt we not only knew her—we knew the athletes as well.
“Pat did far more than win eight national championships: she changed the lives of the young women she coached, she showed us the measure of a real champion and her fight against Alzheimer’s set an example for us all.”
From 1988 to 1991, Senator Alexander served as president of the University of Tennessee where he had the privilege of watching Pat Summitt coach the Lady Vols to the 1989 NCAA championship.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Summitt. Basketball has lost a legend, and Tennessee has lost one of its most beloved daughters.
Senator Bob Corker said, “There is perhaps no one who left a more indelible mark on his or her profession than Coach Summitt. Through her 38 years as head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, she amassed a historic record of achievement and blazed a trail for women across our country. The impact she had on her players, the University of Tennessee, the Knoxville community, and the game of basketball will be felt for years to come. I join all Tennesseans today in celebrating her life and extend my thoughts and prayers to her son, Tyler, the Lady Vol family, and all those who were touched by her remarkable life.”
UT Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek said, “It is a very sad day on Rocky Top. Volunteers around the world are mourning the loss of the legendary Pat Summitt. Pat was the greatest coach of all time; her fierce spirit will live on through her players, and through all of us who were inspired by her on a daily basis. Our sincerest sympathies go out to Tyler and all her family and friends.”
Representative Scott DesJarlais, M.D released the following statement on the passing of Pat Summitt: “Coach Summitt was truly a legend and an inspiration for her work both on and off the court. Throughout her extraordinary career she brought an unmatched level of pride to both the sport of basketball, University of Tennessee and the entire Volunteer State. Coach Summitt’s life should serve as a model for anyone to strive toward. She was a fierce competitor, a selfless mentor and dedicated advocate of women’s athletics. Time and time again she led her players to victory both on the court and in the classroom. In fact, under her leadership every Lady Volunteer player who finished her eligibility at Tennessee has graduated. If a Mount Rushmore of college coaches existed, her image would certainly be etched upon it.”