Pat Summitt spoke of her new coaching duties on Wednesday with the same old devotion.
"If anyone asks,'' she said in a UT release, "you can find me observing practice or in my office."
She likely will be asking a few questions herself, after stepping down as Tennessee's coach after 38 seasons to become a head coach emeritus with the program. Summitt conceded in a interview with the News Sentinel on Wednesday that she isn't totally familiar yet with the full scope of her new position.
"We had to give it a name; that's pretty much what it is,'' she said. "They kind of outlined everything. I don't know exactly what it's going to be. We have some things we have to talk about."
According to information provided by the university, Summitt's primary duties and responsibilities will include being a liaison to athletic director Dave Hart and serving as an adviser to women's basketball.
Regarding basketball, Summitt may observe practice and participate in general staff meetings. She's allowed to analyze team or opponent video and analyze game or practice activities with members of the coaching staff. During games, she may enter the locker room during halftime and after games, provided she doesn't instruct players.
Summitt's player-development activities will be limited to personal mentoring and life-skills advice.
Regarding recruiting, Summitt may participate in on-campus recruiting for basketball and other sports and communicate with recruits and their families. She may send letters, emails or handwritten notes to recruits. She may attend official-visit meals and functions within 30 miles of campus, including hosting a prospect for a meal at a staff member's home.
Any impact Summitt still might have as a recruiter will be of paramount importance. The Lady Vols have just six returning players on campus and three high school seniors signed for next season.
"That's something she really enjoys, meeting the kids and meeting with the families,'' said former UT assistant Mickie DeMoss, who served as the program's recruiting coordinator. "She'll still have a big impact in that area."
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 5
SquarePeg writes:
I suppose not, as she is blazing a new ground toward getting past the requirement - past 'goal' when her 40th year will provide for her a $1M take, should she qualify as 'emeritus' toward that end. It does appear both she and former hubby will be 'retired' about the same time, thus comes the end, surely, of the media blast that has been forced on us all for too long. Enough is enough!
It is, of course, expected this comment will be removed as all other are when such is contrary to what is hope will be received. We are not all simpletons, or sheep to the slaughter, so have at it!
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor know shes the ambassador for U of Tenn. Witch Doctor really glad Holly is taking over..Witch Doctor say Warlick has the fire and the love for the program. Witch Doctor say Pat being the "Face" for a million a year is a bargain.
Bones never lie.
utclassof67 writes:
Did this make any sense to anyone???
rockytom writes:
Sorta....I think it's called sour grapes.
underthehill writes:
No..but not unusual on this site...
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.