Pat Summitt To Receive Presidential Medal Of Freedom

WASHINGTON -- The White House says former Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

President Barack Obama says Summitt is an "inspiration" as the coach who has won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball history and for her willingness to "speak so openly and courageously about her battle with Alzheimer's."

The White House says Summitt was notified last week of Obama's decision to present her with the award. It will be presented later this year.

Summitt announced Wednesday she was stepping aside as Tennessee's head coach after 38 seasons. Summitt said in August that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Summitt has won eight national titles and 1,098 games during her coaching career at Tennessee.

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Comments

[Sharon Hunt]

08:57 AM on 04/21/2012

I am a diehard UConn fan...however, I feel that Ms Summitt deserves this medal for bringing women's b-ball AND for making sure every woman in her program graduates. Its just all so sad. Her integrity so much more

[Wimbledon4Novak]

07:22 PM on 04/19/2012

Love you both.......

[Teri Siemen]

03:03 PM on 04/19/2012

Way to go Pat and way to go Mr. President! THis is great news and well deserved!! Go Vols!!