The family of former University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt released a statement Sunday morning acknowledging "the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type progresses."
The statement from Erin Freeman of Ackermann Public Relations also said, "She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you."
Summitt is "struggling" and those close to her are "preparing for the worst," a source involved in the situation confirmed earlier Sunday.
"I don't think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year.
As of late Saturday, Summitt had not been moved from the retirement center where she has been living with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type.
Summitt's family and some former players were with her Saturday, and preparations were being made to make public statements on her condition when necessary.
Summitt coached the Lady Vols for 38 years, beginning in 1974, winning 1,098 games, 32 SEC championships and eight national championships.
She was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in August 2011 and stepped down as head coach in April 2012, taking on a new title as head coach emeritus.
She was named NCAA Coach of the Year seven times and is a member of six halls of fame, including the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (1999) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2000).
Summitt, known for her icy glare on the sideline, was hired as the Lady Vols head coach as a 22-year-old in 1974. Two years later she was co-captain on the silver-medal winning U.S. Olympic team. In 1984 she coached the Olympic team to a gold medal.
Basketball factored into almost every aspect of her life, including the birth of her son, Tyler, in 1990. Even though her water had broken she finished a recruiting visit in Pennsylvania, then urged pilots not to stop on the way home so her son could be born in Tennessee.
Her all-time record was 1,098-208 (.840). She coached 47 percent of her games against ranked opponents and also had a .913 winning percentage at home (504-48).
The court at Thompson Boling Arena, where the Lady Vols and Vols play, is called "The Summitt."
In November 2011, Summitt announced the formation of the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund, with proceeds going toward Alzheimer's research.
President Barack Obama announced she was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in April 2012.
ESPN recognized her accomplishments with the documentary "Pat XO" in July 2013.
In November 2013, the Pat Summitt Plaza, which included a statue, was dedicated on campus.
The statement from Erin Freeman of Ackermann Public Relations also said, "She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you."
Summitt is "struggling" and those close to her are "preparing for the worst," a source involved in the situation confirmed earlier Sunday.
"I don't think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year.
As of late Saturday, Summitt had not been moved from the retirement center where she has been living with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type.
Summitt's family and some former players were with her Saturday, and preparations were being made to make public statements on her condition when necessary.
Summitt coached the Lady Vols for 38 years, beginning in 1974, winning 1,098 games, 32 SEC championships and eight national championships.
She was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in August 2011 and stepped down as head coach in April 2012, taking on a new title as head coach emeritus.
She was named NCAA Coach of the Year seven times and is a member of six halls of fame, including the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (1999) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2000).
Summitt, known for her icy glare on the sideline, was hired as the Lady Vols head coach as a 22-year-old in 1974. Two years later she was co-captain on the silver-medal winning U.S. Olympic team. In 1984 she coached the Olympic team to a gold medal.
Basketball factored into almost every aspect of her life, including the birth of her son, Tyler, in 1990. Even though her water had broken she finished a recruiting visit in Pennsylvania, then urged pilots not to stop on the way home so her son could be born in Tennessee.
Her all-time record was 1,098-208 (.840). She coached 47 percent of her games against ranked opponents and also had a .913 winning percentage at home (504-48).
The court at Thompson Boling Arena, where the Lady Vols and Vols play, is called "The Summitt."
In November 2011, Summitt announced the formation of the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund, with proceeds going toward Alzheimer's research.
President Barack Obama announced she was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in April 2012.
ESPN recognized her accomplishments with the documentary "Pat XO" in July 2013.
In November 2013, the Pat Summitt Plaza, which included a statue, was dedicated on campus.
