For the record I am an unabashed Lady Vols basketball fan. Also in the spirit of full disclosure I am employed by the University of Tennessee, hold a doctorate from the University, and own season tickets to Lady Vol basketball. I am not unbiased when it comes to my favorite sporting team nor my favorite coach. Not surprisingly I’ve spent the last few hours at my desk, eyes rimmed in tears, frantically searching Twitter and various media sites for details regarding Pat Summitt’s diagnosis of dementia. I am shocked and broken-hearted at the thought of my beloved idol enduring the adversity of a wretched disease that can rob one of dignity, grace and sometimes even the essence of the human spirit. Yet, I marvel at the strength of this woman who looks straight into the camera, announces her infirmity, and then refuses to yield to it. There will be no pity party, no resignation, and no shuffling off into oblivion.
Coach Summitt does not back down. She demands fearlessness and commitment from her players, and she leads by example. She and her staff insist on nothing short of excellence. Together they identify, recruit, and mentor a team of world-class athletes who also achieve academic accolades. I brag about the program’s 100% graduation rate waxing eloquent about integrity and work ethic as if I had anything to do with it, but as a student and as a teacher I know the time investment required by academic pursuit. Coach’s dedication to greatness “starts the engine.”
Now we (fans, media people, players, staff, and administrators) know Coach Summitt’s diagnosis. She has been truthful and straightforward about taking the necessary steps to combat the disease. We (or at least I) know others who have been living with the same diagnosis for years. We know if love, hope, dedication, and sheer will can help, then Coach Summitt will persevere. With any adversity knowing is half the battle...
So Coach has asked that we respect her privacy, and I plan to honor that request. I don’t know how this game will play out, but I do know this —Pat Summitt hates to lose. Don’t count her out just yet.
