On June 28, 2016, the world lost an iconic, powerful, inspiring soul. On that date, Patricia Sue Summitt passed away. She was the head coach for the Lady Volunteers At the University of Tennessee, but her role in this world was not just about coaching basketball, it was much bigger than that. While leading the Lady Volunteers to multiple victories, she also taught the world many life lessons.
1. Don't let others tell you what you can or cannot do
Coach Summitt taught us to break barriers. She made women's basketball what it is today. She sure showed everyone just how big of a deal it was with her eight national titles and 1,098 wins, which is the most wins in the NCAA history for any male or female.
2. Stay strong in your faith
Coach Summitt had God on her side and she was never afraid to show it. In the good times she praised him and in the bad times she praised him. She was not ashamed of her faith. She told bibliographer Sally Jenkins, "I know that everything I've been given came as gifts from God, and he has a way of reminding us, 'This is my work.' God's plan is a mystery to me. I just know that I was given certain work to do."
3. Be kind to everyone
Pat Summitt's famous death stare made her one intimidating person, but under that harsh stare there was a soft heart. She was selfless, full of love, and kind. She truly valued people.
4. Stay humble
Win or lose, Pat Summitt was always a good sport. Pat Summitt's advice was to "Handle success like you handle failure. You can't always control what happens, but you can control how you handle it."
