Auriemma Comments on Pat Summitt Stepping Aside

Tennessee's women's basketball coach Pat Summitt steps aside.

During the weekend of the NCAA Final Four in women’s basketball, University Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt made a memorable appearance at UConn’s practice.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma walked over to her, as ESPN reported, and  the moment begged the question of whether the legend and “winningest coach” would return, less than a year after being diagnosed with early onset dementia-Alzheimer's.

Today, the answer came with the announcement that Summit, 59, is stepping aside as and taking the title of "head coach emeritus" with long-time assistant Holly Warlick being promoted to replace her.

“Pat’s vision for the game of women’s basketball and her relentless drive pushed the game to a new level and made it possible for the rest of us to accomplish what we did,” Auriemma said in a statement. “In her new role, I’m sure she will continue to make significant impacts on the University of Tennessee and on the game of women’s basketball as a whole. I am thrilled for Holly as this opportunity is well deserved and Pat will be a huge asset to her moving forward.”   

 

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