Legendary Tennessee Women's Basketball coach Pat Summitt is reportedly "struggling," with her family "preparing for the worst" as she is moved into hospice care as a result of "serious health concerns" in her battle against Alzheimer's, the Tennesseanreports. A source close to the situation told the Knoxville News Sentinel, "I don't think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year."
Her family released a statement Sunday morning, saying,
"On behalf of Pat Summitt’s family, we acknowledge the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ progresses. She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you."
The 64-year-old Summitt was diagnosed in 2011 with early onset dementia, which forced her into a reduced role as she coached that season, followed by her eventual 2012 resignation.
As news of her condition has spread, a number of her former colleagues, players, and team competitors, have taken to Twitter to show their support:
Summitt coached the Lady Vols for 38 years (1974-2012), beginning when she was just 22. Over her career she won 1,098 games, 7 National Coach of the Year Awards, 16 SEC titles, an Olympic gold medal, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and 8 National Championships. Additionally she was inducted into both the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
