On the recordDecember 6, 2011
Today I rise to recognize not only one of the greatest coaches of all time but also one of the greatest people of all time, the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach, Pat Summitt. Yesterday, Coach Summitt was named Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year, and there was no one more deserving than she. Not only is she the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, having well over 1,000 wins, including 16 SEC titles and eight national championships, but she is also an exemplary role model for the students she coaches and is a shining ambassador for the university she represents. Earlier this year, Coach Summitt was diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. While the news would be unbearable for many to take at such a young age, Coach Summitt has stayed on the sidelines and continues to coach the Lady Vols. She is, again, leading by example and is showing her players that, while life is full of obstacles, you can continue to achieve success through hard work and dedication. Thank you, Coach Summitt. I am glad you represent my alma mater. Go Big Orange. ____________________
