Pat Summitt: Legendary Coach Makes Statement Regarding Dementia Diagnosis

Pat Summitt isn't just a women's basketball coach. She isn't just a former national champion. And she isn't just a former coach of the year.

I saw a video about her in a college class, and the determination she's exhibited throughout her life is incredible.

Her upbringing, with three older brothers, led her to a love of basketball.

But, unlike her brothers, who all received scholarships, she had to convince her father to pay for her to go school and play. Title IX was not part of collegiate athletics just yet, and scholarships were not part of the women's game.

She made every cent worth it and would later become head coach at the University of Tennessee at only 22 years old. 

Thirty-seven years later, she's an eight-time national champion and a seven-time coach of the year. Her eight national championships are second to only the legendary John Wooden's 10 at UCLA. 

At the age of the 48, she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and is still coaching 11 years later. She is considered one of the toughest coaches in the history of the game, regardless of gender, and her "stare" is something of a legend on the court.

By all accounts Pat Summitt is an incredible basketball coach, leader, and person.

This season, her 37th on the Tennessee bench, will provide her with a new challenge that she is determined to overcome, as well.

This video shows Summitt discussing her recent diagnosis of early-onset dementia. At only 59 years old, Summitt is readying to battle this disease the only way she knows how: determination and planning.

Oh, and coaching.

The Lady Vols' fearless leader plans to be back on the sideline this season with her beloved team. According to GoVolsXtra, she plans to stay sharp by reading and doing puzzles every night in addition to her prescribed medication.

She has respectfully asked for privacy in this manner and will deservedly receive it.

Pat Summitt has always been a fighter, and she will certainly fight this for as long as possible, too.

When she does finally decide to walk away from the game of basketball, she will do so as one of the greatest coaches and leaders ever to walk this earth.

Until that time comes, her "stare" will be wandering the sideline at Thompson-Boling Arena just as it has been for the past 37 years.