Former Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt today received the highest civilian honor in the United States: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
At the White House award ceremony, President Obama spoke about Summitt’s achievements in basketball and her courage in facing early on-set Alzheimer’s.
“When a doctor first told Pat Summitt she suffered from dementia, she almost punched him. When a second doctor advised her to retire, she responded ‘do you know who you’re dealing with here?’ Obviously they did not.”
The winningest college basketball coach in history, Summitt led the team to eight NCAA championships and 32 SEC titles. After 38 seasons, she stepped down as head coach, but will continue to mentor players.
Summitt started a foundation last year to raise money for cutting-edge research on early onset Alzheimer’s.
The Clarksville native was among thirteen notable individuals to receive the Medal of Freedom, including music icon Bob Dylan and former secretary of state Madeleine Albright.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM