Her disease progressed quickly and her family had hinted in the past few days that her health was failing, but this morning came confirmation that legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt died at the age of 64 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

“You win in life with people,” read a simple statement on her foundation’s website this morning, as well as: “Coach Pat Summitt, 1952-2016.”

One of the toughest things for any of us to do is watch a giant — someone we all know and admire, and that has accomplished incredible things — slowly succumb to a disease that robs them of their health and their mind.

Most often, these giants are family members — perhaps parents as they age. But there are also those who’ve led very public lives and over time, allowed us in, even if for just a little while.

Summitt, who coached the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team to national championships time and again over the course of her storied 38-year career, was one of those people.

Over the past few days — as well as over the past few years — family, friends, former players, colleagues, and fans have rallied around Summitt, the winningest coach in the history of men’s and women’s Division I basketball.

After being diagnosed in 2011 with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, she finished out the 2011-2012 season with the Lady Vols — concluding 1,098 victories and eight national championships.

Shortly after, she and her family established the Pat Summitt Foundation in an effort to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. This December, the Foundation and the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville are scheduled to open the Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Clinic.

“The need for additional patient care capabilities, family caregiver support and clinical trials for those facing Alzheimer’s disease is staggering,” said UT Medical Center President Joseph Landsman, Jr.

“The need for additional patient care capabilities, family caregiver support, and clinical trials for those facing Alzheimer’s disease is staggering,” said University of Tennessee Medical Center President and CEO Joseph R. Landsman Jr. in a 2014 press release.

“We currently serve 3,000 patients and their families at our Alzheimer’s clinic and project the need will double to 6,000 in the next five years. The Pat Summitt Foundation partnership will allow us to help so many more families and expand discovery by virtue of new national clinical trials, made possible by the establishment of a clinic dedicated exclusively to the care, family support, and advancement of new treatments of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

The family released the following statement only days ago, “On behalf of Pat Summitt’s family, we acknowledge the past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ progresses. 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.”

[lz_ndn video=31073277]

Summitt, known for her steely glare, worked hard over the course of her life and built a storied career. She was hired as the Lady Vols coach at the young age of just 22 in 1974. She also served as the co-captain on the silver medal-winning U.S. Olympic team in 1976 and in 1984 she coached the Olympic team to a gold medal, USA Today reported.

The accolades for her coaching career are astonishing. Sporting News named the 50 Greatest Coaches of All Time — Summitt was voted the 11th best of all time and was the only woman on the list. ESPN paid tribute to her impact on women in sports during the summer of 2013, creating the documentary film, “Pat XO,” for its Nine for IX series.

But even in her retirement, and now in her passing, she continues to be recognized for her work both on and off the court and the lives she has touched. Specifically for helping to raise awareness and funds to fight a disease that devastates so many lives and families — and which currently has no cure.

“You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you handle it,” said Coach Summit.

[lz_third_party includes=”https://youtu.be/tQZrAtONhhc”]