SEC Honors Pat Summitt’s Legacy in Annual We Back Pat Week

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is honoring the legacy of legendary Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt during its annual We Back Pat Week, a tradition that celebrates her contributions to the sport and raises awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Summitt, who passed away in 2016, remains one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball history.

Summitt coached the Tennessee Lady Vols for 38 seasons, amassing a record 1,098 wins, eight national championships, and 16 SEC titles. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2011, she retired in 2012 and became a symbol of resilience and advocacy. The We Back Pat initiative, launched in 2012, highlights her impact on the game and her fight against Alzheimer’s.

This year, No. 2 South Carolina (17-1, 5-0 SEC) will honor Summitt on Sunday when they host No. 13 Oklahoma (15-3, 3-2) at Colonial Life Arena. “It’s only right,” said South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, who faced Summitt’s teams as both a player and coach. “Pat Summitt has been the standard in our game. She’s done things that you can only imagine.”

Staley, who played at Virginia, faced Summitt’s Lady Vols three times in the NCAA Tournament from 1989 to 1991. As a coach, Staley’s teams lost seven of eight matchups against Summitt, with their sole victory coming in Summitt’s final game against Staley in 2012. “When you see Tennessee, it was a standard of doing business,” Staley said. “It was all attributed to coach Summitt and her ability to bring out the best in all of her players.”

The We Back Pat initiative includes all 16 SEC women’s basketball teams wearing special warmup shirts during games this week. Tennessee held its We Back Pat game on Thursday, hosting Mississippi State. The foundation, started by Summitt and her son Tyler in 2011, continues to support Alzheimer’s research and awareness.

Former players and coaches across the SEC have shared their admiration for Summitt. Carol Ross, a former Ole Miss player and coach, called Summitt “the architect for what we know as women’s basketball.” Renee Ladner, another Ole Miss alum and coach, emphasized Summitt’s role in growing the sport. “We are here in so many ways because of Pat’s efforts and influence,” Ladner said.

Summitt’s legacy extends beyond her coaching achievements. Her willingness to share knowledge and her personal kindness left a lasting impression on those who knew her. “Pat was a fierce competitor, but wanted us all to succeed,” Ladner added. “She was gracious, approachable, and shared tips to help your team.”

As the SEC continues to honor Summitt’s contributions, her influence on women’s basketball remains unparalleled. The We Back Pat Week serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy and the importance of her fight against Alzheimer’s.