June 28, 2016
Auburn women's basketball extends its condolences to the family and friends of former Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt, who died Tuesday at age 64. She had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type, in 2011 and retired after the 2011-12 season with 1,098 wins, the most for any coach in college basketball history - men's or women's.
Summitt's Lady Vols faced Auburn 46 times, including the 1989 national championship game. She led the Lady Vols to eight national championships over her 38-year coaching career, and she boasted a 100-percent graduation rate as Tennessee's head coach.
Below are statements from Auburn head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy and former head coach Joe Ciampi.
Auburn Women's Basketball Head Coach Terri Williams-Flournoy
"Pat Summitt is the reason our game is where it is today. She was the coach that everyone in our game aspires to be. But more importantly, she was the person that we all should aspire to be. Pat was a fierce competitor on the court and a strong, caring, compassionate woman off the court. Her desire to win with defense was an inspiration to my coaching philosophy. And her demand for excellence carried over to the classroom - her 100% graduation rate is a testament to her refusal to accept anything less than the best from her players.
On behalf of the Auburn women's basketball family, I extend my heartfelt condolences, sympathies and prayers to the Summitts and the Lady Vol family. There will never be another like Pat Summitt."
Former Auburn Head Coach Joe Ciampi
"Pat Summitt is without a doubt the most iconic and important figure in the history of women's basketball. Pat set the benchmark for all coaches to attain because of her passion and desire to win on and off the court. Her work ethic challenged each of us as coaches to improve each day by working harder and smarter. Pat's competitive spirit, attention to detail with her trademark defense, and her ability to motivate each player to play their role and trust their teammate was her formula for championships.
I lost a friend today, but know Pat's spirit will live forever within me and the countless people she impacted during her lifetime."