For years, Pat Summitt has been viewed by many as the queen of women’s basketball.
With a 75-54 victory Tuesday over Purdue in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Summitt successfully expanded her kingdom to all of college basketball. With the win — the 880th of her career — Summitt surpassed legendary North Carolina men’s coach Dean Smith for the most wins in Division I history.
Though she stands alone at the top now, Summitt deflected the attention she received for No. 880.
“We talk about the wins and the trophies, but it’s all about the people,” Summitt said. “The players have influenced me more than I have influenced them.”
A crowd of 13,188 showed up at Thompson-Boling Arena to watch history. Amongst the crowd, a number of players and coaches that helped Summitt along the way returned to Knoxville to watch.
For the current crop of players, helping secure the new win total for their coach was special. But true to Summitt’s form, she had her players focused on defeating Purdue rather than her individual achievement.
“The record was in the back of our minds,” senior forward Shyra Ely said. “We were reminded of it all week. We were able to separate it and keep our focus on this game.”
Though Summitt could see the record in front of her, she couldn’t have imagined the surprise waiting for her after the game. Once the Purdue players cleared the floor, Summitt was honored by the NCAA.
Then Lady Vols athletics director Joan Cronan and UT President John Petersen sent the crowd into cheers with the announcement that the court at Thompson-Boling would be called The Summitt at all future athletic events. Summitt was presented with a replica of the new court, which will prominently display her name in one corner.
“I had no idea,” Summitt said. “It really touches me. It is such a tremendous honor. I never would have thought of anything like that ever.
“I don’t think anyone knows how much I love this university. It was a vote of confidence for me. Having the floor named ‘The Summitt’ is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life.”
The extended Tennessee family wasn’t all that filled the crowd. Remnants of LSU fans left over from their game earlier in the night, as well as Purdue fans, watched as basketball history unfolded.
First-year LSU coach Pokey Chatman was among those who stayed behind to see Summitt reach the top.
“I’m glad I’m in the building to witness that (Summitt’s win),” Chatman said. “So many people pick up the newspaper or tune into the game because it is monumental. I’ve got 17, 18, 19 years of knowing Pat Summitt from afar and close up.
“I think it’s just tremendous.”
Even Purdue coach Kristy Curry admitted to being excited over Summitt’s record despite having to send her team out to try and defer that record until next season.
“To a certain degree in my heart, I have to be pulling for her,” Curry said before the game. “I respect and admire her as a mom and as a basketball coach. She is what we aspire to be like.”
The record places Summitt at the pinnacle of career coaching victories. For the players, though, Summitt’s legacy is about more than wins and losses.
“It was important for me to come here,” Ely said. “I became an adult, a better person and more disciplined because of Pat. I’m a homebody and a little girl at heart. I knew that coming here, Pat would take care of me away from home.
“And she has. That means as much as the wins.”
