Cheer for Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols tonight!

February 2, 2009 in Uncategorized

A note from my friend Betsy this morning reminded me:

I'm not sure if Pat Summitt is a name many of you are familiar with. She became an icon in the sports world four years ago as the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history — men or women. The University of TN Lady Vols have their first opportunity to earn her 1,000th win as coach of that team tonight. See article at http://tinyurl.com/cwo5k7

Of course this isn't getting the mainstream national press a male coach of a men's team would receive. But I wanted to make sure this group knew about it. ESPN2 is carrying tonight's game. Whether you're a sports fan or not, watch some of it and support her!

Or as Mr Brilliant replied when I forwarded the note to him: "She receives about 1% of the press that a man would receive if a man were she."

From the article Betsy sent:

"This is not about me," Summitt said about the 1,000-win mark. "I have made it very clear that I have never scored a basket for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. I've been very blessed to have had great support from the administration and the best assistant coaches and the most loyal people. There are so many people that are involved and so many difference makers."

In August 2008, Summitt committed $600,000 to the University of Tennessee to support the women's basketball programs, including a $100,000 endowed scholarship for a Lady Vols basketball graduate assistant in honor of her parents Richard and Hazel Head.

"The University of Tennessee has meant a great deal to me – both as a student-athlete, an alumna, a coach and a fan," said Summitt. "I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to play basketball as a student-athlete at UT-Martin and spend 35 years as a coach at UT-Knoxville. I appreciate every opportunity both schools have given me and hope this gift will afford other young women the same opportunities."

I think we all know the difference a coach can make. How about watching tonight?

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

9 comments to " Cheer for Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols tonight! "


brandi

February 2, 2009 AT 9:04PM

as a former lady ‘cat’ on my high school basketball team, I am especially thrilled to see this article!!!

I still have fond memories of my basketball days and watching the NCAA playoffs-and her. She was a big deal in my world then and I am so glad you are sharing her story.

John Ptak

February 2, 2009 AT 9:25PM

Actually, I take that back–I don’t think she’s all the way up to 1%, after all…

Betsy

February 3, 2009 AT 6:11AM

Well, they didn’t make it last night, but it’s just a matter of time…maybe Thursday when UT plays Georgia!

Rick

February 3, 2009 AT 7:23AM

Patti, I have to confess I was not a fan of women’s sports until my jock daughter became involved.

She is no longer playing, but I still catch at least a few games from the Women’s College World Series (softball) and the Final Four (basketball) every year.

Here’s the thing: any guy who loves competition and intense, team effort would easily become a big fan of women’s college sports. I’m hooked.

john - okc

February 3, 2009 AT 7:36AM

We think Sherry Coale is terrific, too.

Kaleb

February 3, 2009 AT 1:27PM

Part of the problem with womens sports is that it just isn’t supported. Given a choice between mens baksetball or womens, the advertiser generally will go for the mens. And even among the schools—when I played equivalent sports in college, the guys got free shoes, free jackets, free gear—the gals had to pay for their stuff. The college explained “that’s just the way it is” and yes, this was after Title IX was in effect.

The other issue with women’s sports is the perception that any woman playing (or involved in) competitive sports MUST be a lesbian. According to advertisers, most people are turned off by that concept. What some folks have figured out is that a) some straight folks don’t care and b) most among the gay community appreciate the advertisers and c) it’s a sport, you’re entertained and like the ballet, you kinda know what you’re getting into when you buy a ticket.

I’ve been watching Pat for years, since her playing days. I don’t care what rumors have run around about her orientation–she’s a good coach. I hope at some point she gets the recognition she deserves and I hope the Vols keep on winning.

Betsy

February 3, 2009 AT 4:52PM

John in OKC — Completely agree, Sherry Coale has done amazing things at OU in the past 12 years. Pat’s just been at it so much longer, and has been such a pioneer. Who knows? Maybe Sherry will be the one to break Pat’s win record someday.

Beth

February 4, 2009 AT 9:56AM

The coolest thing about Pat Summitt is that she has a 100% graduation rate of her players. How many top (or bottom or middle ranked) men’s college programs can match that? Go Pat and the Lady Vols!!!

Betsy

February 6, 2009 AT 7:30AM

Hooray – they did it Thursday night against Georgia!

And, Beth, I agree that the 100% graduation rate over a 35 year coaching career at an NCAA school is even more impressive than the number of wins. The future of her players matter to her.