One of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time reportedly is in grave condition.
Legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt is “struggling” and those close to her are “preparing for the worst,” a source close to the situation confirmed to The Tennessean early Sunday morning.
“I don’t think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year,” the source said, via The Tennessean.
Summitt, 64, was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2011 and stepped down as Tennessee’s head coach in April 2012. She led the Lady Vols to eight national championships during her illustrious coaching career, which began at Tennessee in 1974.
She retired with 1,098 wins, the most by any coach in Division I basketball history, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
As of late Saturday, Summitt had yet to be moved from the retirement center where she has been living since late January. Former players, including WNBA star Candace Parker, and members of Summitt’s family joined her Saturday, and many have offered their prayers for the pioneering coach.
UPDATE (11:10 a.m. ET): Summitt’s family released a statement Sunday morning acknowledging “the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type progresses.”
The statement continued, “She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you.”
Thumbnail photo via Randy Sartin/USA TODAY Sports Images
