Just Pat Being Pat

My admiration for Pat Summitt is well chronicled, and Friday, I read something in a write-up that perfectly proved why.

It is true I grew up idolizing the Lady Vols. And it is true that Pat Summitt is the winningest coach in all of collegiate basketball. But alas, those aren't the only reasons for my admiration. I have always had the utmost respect for Pat as a person...someone who has tremendous character.

The following story, written by my ABSOLUTE favorite Lady Vol beat write, Maria M. Cornelius, illustrates this point perfectly:

Summitt was a tad late to practice Thursday, but it was for good reason.

When arriving for a scheduled appointment she noticed a senior citizen in the four-story parking garage. After leaving her appointment shortly thereafter she saw the same woman. The layout of the garage was such that it was confusing if the person forgot the parking level or got off on the wrong floor.

Summitt stopped her car, introduced herself and offered to help find the woman’s car. The woman, grateful for the help, told Summitt that she knew who she was and got in the passenger seat.

“I didn’t want her to be afraid if she didn’t recognize me,” Summitt said. “She’d be afraid to get in the car. She was walking up and down inside the garage. She reminded me of my mother.”
Summitt drove through the garage until they found the vehicle, and then the coach scooted to practice.

Folks, this woman is not only one of the best coaches to ever hold the title. She's a tremendous human being who has always remained true to her modest Tennessee upbringing.