What Happened to Patricia Susan "Pat" Summitt (née Head)?
Pat Summitt was a legendary American women's college basketball coach who led the University of Tennessee Lady Vols to eight NCAA national championships and became the winningest coach in NCAA Division I basketball history at the time of her retirement. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease in 2011, she retired in 2012 and dedicated her remaining years to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research through the Pat Summitt Foundation, which continues her legacy today.
Quick Answer
Pat Summitt, the iconic University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach, passed away on June 28, 2016, at the age of 64, due to complications from early-onset Alzheimer's disease. She had retired from coaching in 2012 following her diagnosis, concluding a historic career with 1,098 wins and eight NCAA championships. Her legacy lives on through the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Pat Summitt Alzheimer's Clinic, which continue to fund research, provide patient and caregiver support, and raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease, with significant grants and donations still being made as of 2025.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Clarksville, Tennessee
Patricia Susan Head was born in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Hired as Head Coach of Lady Vols
At just 22 years old, Pat Head was hired as the head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team.
Olympic Silver Medalist (Player)
Summitt, then Pat Head, co-captained the U.S. women's basketball team to a silver medal at the Montreal Olympics, the first time women's basketball was an Olympic sport.
Olympic Gold Medalist (Coach)
She coached the U.S. women's basketball team to a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics.
First NCAA National Championship
Summitt led the Lady Vols to their first NCAA Division I national championship.
Three Consecutive NCAA Championships
The Lady Vols achieved an unprecedented three consecutive NCAA national championships, including a perfect 39-0 season in 1998.
Inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Summitt was inducted into the inaugural class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
Named Naismith Coach of the Century
She was named the Naismith Basketball Coach of the Century.
Achieves 1,000 Career Wins
Summitt became the first NCAA basketball coach to reach 1,000 career victories.
Announces Alzheimer's Diagnosis
Pat Summitt publicly announced she had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Launches Pat Summitt Foundation
Along with her son Tyler, Summitt launched The Pat Summitt Foundation to combat Alzheimer's disease.
Retires from Coaching
Summitt officially retired as head coach of the Lady Vols, transitioning to head coach emeritus.
Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama awarded Summitt the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Passes Away
Pat Summitt passed away at the age of 64 due to complications from early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Pat Summitt Foundation Becomes Independent Nonprofit
The Pat Summitt Foundation commenced operations as an independent nonprofit organization, a key step in its long-term vision.
Clinic Receives $1.25M Donation
The Pat Summitt Clinic received a $1.25 million donation from the Pat Summitt Foundation to expand Alzheimer's care and research.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Patricia Susan 'Pat' Summitt, born on June 14, 1952, in Clarksville, Tennessee, became one of the most influential figures in sports history. Her coaching career at the University of Tennessee, which began in 1974, spanned 38 seasons and saw her transform women's collegiate basketball. Summitt's relentless drive and demanding coaching style led the Lady Vols to an unprecedented eight NCAA Division I national championships (1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2007, 2008). She amassed 1,098 career wins, a record for any NCAA Division I basketball coach, male or female, at the time of her retirement.
Summitt's impact extended beyond the court; she maintained a 100% graduation rate for all players who completed their eligibility under her, a statistic she often cited with immense pride. Her teams were known for their discipline, accountability, and a willingness to schedule tough opponents, preparing them for postseason success. She also represented the U.S. in the Olympics, winning a silver medal as a player in 1976 and a gold medal as a coach in 1984.
A significant turning point in Summitt's life came in August 2011 when she publicly announced her diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 59. Despite the diagnosis, she coached one more season in a reduced role before officially retiring in April 2012. In response to her diagnosis, Summitt, along with her son Tyler, established the Pat Summitt Foundation in November 2011. The foundation's mission is to raise awareness, provide support for patients and caregivers, and fund research for a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Pat Summitt passed away peacefully on June 28, 2016, at the age of 64, due to complications from the disease. Her death sparked an outpouring of tributes and further galvanized efforts to combat Alzheimer's. The Pat Summitt Alzheimer's Clinic at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, a partnership with her foundation, opened in December 2016, providing comprehensive care and resources. The NCAA also established the Pat Summitt Award in 2017 to recognize individuals who positively influence college athletes.
As of March 2026, Pat Summitt's legacy continues to thrive through the ongoing work of the Pat Summitt Foundation. The foundation became an independent nonprofit organization on March 1, 2025, a crucial step towards fulfilling Coach Summitt's long-term vision. In its 2024 grant cycle, the foundation awarded $200,000 to non-profit organizations supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Furthermore, in July 2025, the Pat Summitt Clinic received a substantial $1.25 million donation from the Pat Summitt Foundation to expand its Alzheimer's care services and research initiatives, demonstrating her enduring impact on the fight against the disease.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Patricia Susan "Pat" Summitt (née Head) made different choices?