Legendary Lady Vols player Candace Parker gives a moving speech on the WNBA team’s naming in remembrance of the great Pat Summitt.
Candace Parker, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, has long been an ambassador for the sport and a voice for athletes who seek to make an impact both on and off the court. But in a recent moment that left many in the sports world deeply moved, Parker delivered a powerful speech after the announcement of the WNBA team’s new name in remembrance of the late Pat Summitt, one of the greatest coaches in basketball history.
The decision to name the WNBA team in Pat Summitt’s honor was an emotional and deeply personal one for Parker, as Summitt played a pivotal role in her life and career. The iconic University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach, known for her unmatched success, leadership, and mentorship, passed away in 2016 after a battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Summitt’s influence extended far beyond the basketball court; she inspired countless women, including Parker, to strive for greatness while uplifting others. In her speech, Parker reflected on the lasting impact Summitt had on her and the entire basketball community, and her words resonated deeply with fans and players alike.
A Tribute to Pat Summitt
When Parker stood at the podium to speak about the new WNBA team name, it was clear that this was not just a ceremonial moment; it was a heartfelt tribute to a woman who shaped the landscape of women’s sports. As she spoke, Parker’s voice trembled with emotion, a reflection of the deep admiration she has for Summitt’s legacy.
“I can’t find the words to fully describe the impact that Pat Summitt had on me, on the game of basketball, and on all of us,” Parker began. “But when I stand here today, thinking about the fact that a WNBA team is being named in her honor, I am overcome with gratitude and pride. It feels like her legacy is living on in ways we could have only dreamed of.”
Summitt’s legacy as a coach is well-documented. She was the head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols for 38 years, a tenure that included an astounding 1,098 career victories, making her the all-time winningest coach in Division I women’s basketball history at the time of her retirement. Under Summitt’s leadership, Tennessee won eight NCAA championships and made 22 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. But beyond the statistics, it was her approach to coaching—her emphasis on discipline, leadership, and creating strong, confident women—that set her apart.
Parker shared how Summitt’s influence went far beyond basketball fundamentals. Summitt’s ability to connect with her players on a human level, to mentor them not just as athletes but as young women navigating the challenges of life, was one of her most unique qualities. “She taught us that basketball is more than just a game,” Parker continued. “It’s about life. It’s about understanding who you are, how you lead, and how you give back. Pat was a mother figure to all of us. She was the one who pushed us when we didn’t believe in ourselves, who lifted us when we fell, and who celebrated us when we succeeded. Pat showed us how to be strong, not just on the court, but off of it as well.”
Candace Parker’s Personal Connection to Summitt
As Parker’s speech continued, the personal bond she shared with Summitt became evident. Parker was not just a player under Summitt’s guidance; she was one of Summitt’s star pupils, a player who would go on to become one of the best in the history of women’s basketball. But Parker’s relationship with Summitt wasn’t one of just player and coach—it was one of mentorship, respect, and deep affection.
Parker vividly recalled her recruitment process to the University of Tennessee. As a highly touted high school prospect, Parker had a myriad of options. But it was Summitt’s approach—her genuine care for Parker as an individual, her commitment to helping her grow both as a person and as a player—that stood out. “Pat wasn’t just trying to build a team of champions,” Parker said. “She was trying to build women who would go on to do amazing things long after they left the court. And that’s why I chose Tennessee. I knew that Pat Summitt would be more than just a coach to me. She would be a mentor for life.”
Summitt’s influence on Parker extended beyond college. As Parker’s career in the WNBA and overseas took off, Summitt was always there in the background, offering advice and guidance. Parker recalled that after every big game, Summitt would send a text or call to offer words of encouragement. “She was always so proud of me, but she never let me get too comfortable,” Parker said with a smile. “She pushed me to be better, and she never let me forget what it meant to be a leader. Her wisdom shaped everything I do on and off the court.”
The WNBA Team’s Naming: A Symbol of Legacy
The decision to name the WNBA team after Pat Summitt is a testament to the far-reaching influence she had, not just in college basketball, but across the entire sport. It also reflects the growing recognition of the importance of honoring women’s sports pioneers. For Parker and many others, the new team name represents the continuation of Summitt’s mission to elevate women’s basketball and inspire future generations.
The choice to name the team in Summitt’s honor carries significant symbolism. The WNBA is at the forefront of women’s professional sports, and as the league continues to grow in stature and influence, it’s crucial to recognize the foundational figures who made that growth possible. Pat Summitt was one of those pioneers. She didn’t just coach basketball players; she helped create an environment where women could thrive, not only in sports but in their careers and their lives.
“This isn’t just about remembering Pat as a coach,” Parker said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “This is about remembering everything she stood for—the work ethic, the leadership, the fierce competitiveness, but also the compassion and love she gave to each and every person she encountered. By naming this team after her, we are ensuring that future generations will know about her greatness, and that they will continue to be inspired by her, just like I have been.”
A Call to Action: Continuing Pat Summitt’s Legacy
In her closing remarks, Parker made it clear that the naming of the team was not an endpoint but a beginning. It was a call to action for everyone involved in women’s basketball—players, coaches, administrators, and fans—to continue Pat Summitt’s legacy of excellence and empowerment.
“As we celebrate this new chapter for women’s basketball,” Parker said, “let’s remember that we all have a responsibility to carry on Pat’s work. It’s not enough to simply honor her memory; we must live up to the values she instilled in all of us. We must continue to push the boundaries of what women’s sports can be. We must continue to make sure that women have the same opportunities, respect, and recognition as men in this game. That’s how we can truly honor Pat.”
Parker’s words resonated with the crowd, and the emotions in the room were palpable. She wasn’t just reflecting on the past; she was pushing for progress, ensuring that Summitt’s spirit of excellence would live on through the WNBA team’s name and beyond. Parker’s speech was a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact one individual can have, not only on the game of basketball but on the lives of those who are fortunate enough to be touched by their leadership.
