KNOXVILLE – If Pat Summitt’s career isn’t over, it sure felt that way after Tennessee was ousted from the women’s NCAA tournament Monday night.
Associate head coach Holly Warlick’s tears during the postgame press conference brought home the possibility this was the last run for the Hall of Fame head coach, who hasn’t said whether she will return next season.
After announcing in August she has early-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type, Summitt said she wanted to coach as long she could.
The 59-year-old Summitt and her coaching staff are expected to be in Denver for the women’s Final Four. Warlick said Summitt hasn’t discussed imminent retirement with her or anyone else and likely will take time to evaluate things before making a decision.
This season’s emotional roller coaster ended with the Lady Vols’ 77-58 loss to Baylor in the regional final, marking the first time a Tennessee senior class didn’t play in a Final Four.