Focus now on Pat Summitt's future with Lady Vols

By Beth Rucker

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, March 27 2012 4:40 p.m. MDT

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Tennessee coach Pat Summitt yells to her players in the first half of an NCAA women's college basketball tournament regional final against Baylor, Monday, March 26, 2012, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Nati Harnik, Associated Press

Summary

If Pat Summitt's career isn't over, it sure felt that way after Tennessee was ousted from the women's NCAA tournament.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — If Pat Summitt's career isn't over, it sure felt that way after Tennessee was ousted from the women's NCAA tournament.

Associate head coach Holly Warlick's tears brought home the possibility this was the last run for the 59-year-old Summitt, who hasn't said whether she will return next season.

After announcing in August she has early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type, the Hall of Fame coach said she wanted to coach as long she could.

The Lady Vols' season-long emotional roller coaster ended with a 77-58 loss to Baylor in the regional finals. It marked the first time that a Tennessee senior class didn't play in a Final Four.

Warlick has said Summitt likely will take time to evaluate things before making a decision.

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