WBB: Pat Summitt diagnosed with dementia
- Thread starter mred
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Longer article with quotes from Summitt:
Pat Summitt diagnosed with early onset dementia » GoVolsXtra
Pat Summitt diagnosed with early onset dementia » GoVolsXtra
So sad, I always had a feeling the only thing holding her back from being the Joe Paterno of Womens College Basketball is sickness or death. I think she could have coached forever.
Though I'd never wish this on another, perhaps it will help bring attention to the possibility that illnesses and other health conditions can -- and do -- happen to anyone. It becomes so personal when it happens to someone we know.
Agreed. She's only 59. Barring something like this, I would have expected her to go at least 15 more years.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
So disappointing. In reading the article - I had two thoughts: 1) I was struck by the maturity and thoughtfulness of her son's responses, and 2) My general impression is that earlier onsets of this disease are generally accompanied by faster progression.
Hopefully - medical advances will keep her coaching for awhile.
This is sad news. My grandfather developed dementia in his later years, and although the last time I saw him in person was in 2003 (he died in '08) I could tell he definitely wasn't the same, and it was hard to see a once strong man who did very well for himself while healthy slowly disintegrate.
Best wishes to Coach Summit, her family, and the whole Volunteer family.
Best wishes to Coach Summit, her family, and the whole Volunteer family.
While I am sure recruits will take into account the fact that she may not be there, I believe the coaching community in women's basketball will not stoop so low as to actually use this as a pitch to prospective talent. Scott Drew does not coach women's basketball.
you wait. it will be on the back of recruits minds and other coaches will prey on that.
Coach Fennelly disagrees with you and mentioned as much in an interview today. Unfortunately, coaches will still use it.
I kind of hoped the recruiting in women's basketball was not as cutthroat, but that would be disappointing. The recruits know the deal, they don't need self-serving coaches preying on it.
But they're not above playing into homophobia and the like? Women's recruiting may be dirty in a different way, but it can still be dirty. I'm not saying everyone will sink to using this for negative recruiting, but you can bet some will.
I don't care about recruiting. I'm just so sad for Pat and her legions of fans, players, former players -- the entire Vol Family. Everyone who cares about her. Pat is beyond the game, an icon, a true hero of sport. She will continue coaching and I'm sure she will find a way to surprise us all with her excellence both on and off the court. Thank you Pat.
Life is long, but life is short.
Life is long, but life is short.
