Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Pat Summit, We Salute You!

Women's Basketball would not be what it is today without coach Pat Summit.  This woman just might be the greatest coach ever, period.  Coach Summit is stepping down from coaching after many, many years of success.  She played the game and won an olympic silver medal in 1976.  She coached the U.S. national team to a gold medal in 1984.  


I cannot name a tougher coach than Pat Summitt.  Tough coaches aren't the ones who only know how to yell loud and scream their way to victory.  A tough coach inspires players to be rock solid in their mental discipline and physical execution.  A tough coach gains the respect of players not by instilling fear, but by touching that place inside an individual that even she/he was unable to reach and exploit.  Players realize when they've been coached by a great coach.  They can taste it and smell it.


Pat Summit and her Lady Vols have been playing with the smell of success for a very long time. The sports world must bow to a grand lady and great mentor as she steps away from the game she's helped define.  There may never be another Pat Summitt, but she most definitely blazed a trail for others to follow.  At the moment I can't think of any woman who led with such command and courage.  I'd vote her President of the United States over any would be female candidate, and half the male candidates.


If you love competition and toughness, you loved watching Pat Summitt lead her team like a commander-in-chief.  She truly brought passion and perfection to our sports lives. Thanks Pat.



Pat Summitt, a Legend Retires!

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