How Pat Summitt Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Pat Summitt—a timeline of influence.

Pat Summitt was a highly successful American women's college basketball coach, most notably for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols from 1974-2012. She retired with 1,098 career wins, the most in college basketball history at that time. Summitt is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1997: Raise the Roof Book About Lady Vols' Season

Pat Summitt co-authored 'Raise the Roof' with Sally Jenkins, a book about the Lady Vols' 1997–1998 undefeated and NCAA-championship winning season.

1998: Raise the Roof Book About Lady Vols' Season

Pat Summitt co-authored 'Raise the Roof' with Sally Jenkins, a book about the Lady Vols' 1997–1998 undefeated and NCAA-championship winning season.

1999: Induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1999, Pat Summitt was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.

2000: ESPY Awards Recognition

At the 2000 ESPY awards, the Lady Vols basketball team was named co-team of the decade, along with the Florida State Seminoles football team. Pat Summitt was also named the Naismith Coach of the Century and Chamique Holdsclaw earned recognition as Naismith Women's Collegiate Player of the Century.

2000: Named Naismith Basketball Coach of the Century

In 2000, Pat Summitt was named the Naismith Basketball Coach of the Century, recognizing her significant contributions to the sport.

2007: Summitt Claims She Mellowed

In 2007, Summitt told U.S. News & World Report that she didn't yell at her players nearly as much as she had earlier in her career.

February 2009: Summitt reflects on early coaching days

During a February 2009 interview with Time, Pat Summitt reflected on the challenges and humble beginnings of women's basketball during her early years as a coach, including driving the team van and sleeping in other teams' gyms.

2009: Ranked Among Greatest Coaches of All Time

In 2009, The Sporting News ranked Pat Summitt at number 11 on its list of the 50 Greatest Coaches of All Time in all sports, making her the only woman on the list.

April 18, 2012: Summitt Steps Down as Head Coach

On April 18, 2012, after the Lady Vols lost to the unbeaten eventual champion Baylor Lady Bears in the Elite Eight in Des Moines, Summitt stepped down as head coach, ending her 38-year coaching career at age 59. Warlick was named Summitt's successor, and Summitt was given the title Head Coach Emeritus upon her resignation.

2012: Presidential Medal of Freedom and Arthur Ashe Courage Award

In 2012, Pat Summitt was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama and received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards, celebrating her impact and resilience.

2012: Summitt Receives Courage Awards

In 2012, Summitt was presented the USBWA Most Courageous Award at the Final Four, and future awards were given in her name. She also received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2012.

2013: Induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame

In 2013, Pat Summitt was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, adding to her list of honors and solidifying her legacy in basketball.

2013: Statue on University of Tennessee Campus

In 2013, an eight-foot bronze statue was erected in Pat Summitt's honor on the University of Tennessee campus.

June 2016: Third-Highest NCAA Division I Championship Total

As of June 2016, Pat Summitt's eight NCAA Division I championships as a coach ranked as the third-highest total in the history of NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball.