University of Oklahoma Athletics

Statement From Sherri Coale on Pat Summitt

Statement From Sherri Coale on Pat Summitt

June 28, 2016 | Women's Basketball

OU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH SHERRI COALE

“As a young coach I read everything I could get my hands on about Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Vols. I remember only months after my college graduation, sitting front row at the Oklahoma High School Coaches Clinic listening to her speak about her 'Definite Dozen,' as I began to create the architecture for my first high school program. There are literally thousands of coaches across this country who can say the exact same thing.

“Coach Summitt was one of the indisputable matriarchs of our game. She molded and inspired generations of strong women by doing what she loved in an extraordinary way. Coach Summitt won a million games, but I think what pushed her into rare air was her purpose. Life by life her influence has spread into little corners all across this country and beyond. She was one of my heroes, one of my competitors, and one of my friends. Our world is a better place because she was in it.”


Former Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt passed away on Tuesday at the age of 64 in Knoxville, Tenn., after a battle with early-onset dementia Alzheimer's type. Summitt won eight NCAA titles and recorded 1,098 victories in her 38-year coaching career. She retired in 2012 as the winningest coach in college basketball history. 

Jennie Baranczyk, Payton Verhulst, and Raegan Beers Postgame vs South Carolina
Saturday, March 28
Jennie Baranczyk, Sahara Williams, Aaliyah Chavez, and Raegan Beers Media Availability - 3/27/26
Friday, March 27
WBB Highlights: OU 77, Michigan State 71
Sunday, March 22
Jennie Baranczyk, Raegan Beers, and Payton Verhulst Postgame vs Michigan State
Sunday, March 22