Pat Summitt Biography: Spouse, Parents, Salary, Age, Net Worth, Basketball Team, Siblings, Awards

Patricia Susan Summitt was an iconic American women’s college basketball coach and former player.

At her retirement, she was the most successful coach in college basketball history, with a record of 1,098 career wins.

Summitt was the head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team from 1974 to 2012 and is widely regarded as one of the most incredible women’s basketball coaches ever.

Her remarkable coaching career and dedication to the sport left an indelible mark on women’s athletics.

Profile

• Full Name: Patricia Sue Head
• Stage Name: Pat Summitt
• Born: June 14, 1952
• Death date: June 28, 2016
• Age: 64 years old
• Birthplace: Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American women’s college basketball coach and former player
• Height: 1.8 m
• Parent: Richard Head ,Hazel Albright Head
• Siblings: Tommy Head, Charles Head, Kenneth Head, Linda Head.
• Spouse: R.B. Summitt (m. 1980–2008)
• Children: Tyler Summitt
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $8 million

Early Life And Education

Patricia Sue Head was born to Richard and Hazel Albright Head on June 14, 1952, in Clarksville, Tennessee.

She grew up with four siblings: older brothers, Tommy, Charles, and Kenneth, and a younger sister, Linda.

She graduated from Cheatham County High School in Ashland City, Tennessee, in 1970 and attended the University of Tennessee at Martin. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1974.

In 1975, Patricia continued her education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she completed a Master’s in Physical Education. Though she is of Caucasian descent, her religious beliefs remain unknown.

Career

Patricia Susan Summitt’s basketball career began at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1970 to 1974, where she became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,045 points.

Her outstanding performance helped the Lady Pacers achieve a 64-29 record and earn two trips to the national championship tournament in 1972 and 1973. This early success set the foundation for her future in basketball.

In 1976, Summitt joined the inaugural U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team as co-captain, leading the team to a silver medal finish at the Montreal Games.

This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time women’s basketball was included in the Olympics. Her Olympic experience further solidified her reputation in the sport.

After playing, Summitt transitioned to coaching at 22 years old, becoming head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. She immediately made an impact, leading the team to its first NCAA championship in 1987, followed by seven more titles over the next two decades.

Summitt’s coaching style, characterized by intensity and motivation, turned Tennessee into a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

Summitt’s legacy extends beyond her coaching achievements. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999 and named Naismith Basketball Coach of the Century in 2000.

In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2013, she was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. Summitt was the only woman on Sporting News’ list of the 50 Greatest Coaches of All Time.

In 2011, Summitt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease but continued coaching for another season before stepping down in 2012.She transitioned to a role as head coach emeritus and became an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness.

Summitt wrote three books about her life and the disease, and her legacy lives on through statues in her honour at the University of Tennessee and her hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee.

Awards and Nominations

Pat Summitt’s illustrious career is marked by numerous awards and honours, including:

• NCAA Coach of the Year: 7 times (1983, 1987, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2004).
• Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Century: 2000.
• Inductions:
• Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999).
• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2000).
• FIBA Hall of Fame (2013)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: 2012.
• Arthur Ashe Courage Award: 2012.

Social Media

Pat Summitt does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Pat Summitt married R.B. Summitt on August 23, 1980, and they had one son, Tyler, born in 1990.

After nearly 27 years of marriage, the couple filed for divorce in August 2007, finalized in April 2008, citing irreconcilable differences. R.B. Summitt, a banker, supported Pat’s coaching career throughout their marriage.

After their separation, Tyler lived with Pat, and there were no custody disputes. Pat Summitt passed away on June 28, 2016, at the age of 64, following a five-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Her son, Tyler, announced her death, stating she passed peacefully at a senior living facility in Knoxville.

Net Worth

Pat Summitt’s estimated net worth was $8 million at the time of her death in 2016.

Her wealth came mainly from her distinguished career as the head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, where she became the winningest coach in NCAA history with 1,098 victories.

Additionally, she earned income from endorsements and speaking engagements, further contributing to her financial success.