Coach Pat Summitt passed away earlier this morning. She deserves credit for being a pioneer in women's athletics and is considered by many as a national treasure. Yes, she won lots of games...1,098 I think. She also won 8 national championships and countless conference championships. That's great and all but she did so much more than just win.
Pat Summitt is a shining example of someone that made a tremendous difference in the lives of others by instilling in them "hope." I've read lots of books about Coach Summitt. I've seen every documentary ever made about her. She's a hero, plain and simple. I can make an extremely convincing argument that she's the greatest coach of all-time in any sport, any era, regardless of gender.
I so admire those that provide "hope" to others. Coach Summitt coached at Tennessee for over 40 years. She began by making $250 per month and was in charge of doing her team's laundry. She didn't care. She was 22 years old and just wanted to lead. And lead she did!
During her reign, she was a driving force for helping female sports get the support and recognition they deserve. The WNBA is celebrating its 20th year this season and nobody on the planet was more responsible for getting that league created and established more than Coach Summitt.
Coach Summitt instilled hope into many young student-athletes that hadn't had much hope and direction in their lives until they met her. She helped youngsters create a process that led to positive achievements, sustained success, and hope for a better tomorrow. Pat Summitt got people to believe in themselves and those around them and created a culture of trust, support, and team before self.
Coach Summitt was a teacher and a coach. She is responsible for hundreds of female leaders today that use the leadership principles they learned from her. She gave direction, purpose, and hope to a program and university that had never before had that sense of belonging.
When you think about the best teachers, coaches, and leaders you know...I bet they provide you with confidence and hope as well.
When I think of the amazing teachers and school personnel I've been lucky enough to know and work with, that's exactly what they do. They provide structure and hope for a better tomorrow in so many kids that need it now more than ever. Every unsuccessful person on the earth today is simply just one caring adult away from turning it around. One single person can make another person better. Do you have the courage to stand up like Coach Summitt did and help others? Can you believe in them so they can believe in themselves?
I hope so!
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