WASHINGTON (AP) —Pat Summitt was honored by President Barak Obama with the Medal of Freedom yesterday afternoon during a White House ceremony.
Summitt stepped down last month after 38 years as the Lady Volunteers head coach because she's suffering from early-onset dementia, Alzheimer's type.
In his remarks honoring Summitt, President Obama noted her remarkable coaching record and her tenacity.
“She racked up eight national championships and more than 1000 wins. Understand, this is more than any college coach, male or female, in the history of the NCAA. More importantly every player who went through her program has either graduated, or is on her way to a degree. That’ why anybody who feels sorry for Pat will find themselves on the receiving end of her famous glare, or she might punch you.”
The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. It's presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace or to other significant endeavors.