Even in death, Pat Summitt’s legacy continues to shape the landscape of basketball. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball minds of all time, Summitt’s influence extends far beyond her legendary tenure at the University of Tennessee. Despite never coaching in the WNBA, she has been posthumously rated as the best WNBA coach in historydue to her unparalleled impact on the game, influence on the league’s greatest players, and contributions to women’s basketball at every level.
Summitt’s record-setting career, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport continue to set the standard for excellence, proving that her influence is timeless.
Summitt’s Impact on the WNBA
While Pat Summitt never officially coached a WNBA team, her fingerprints are all over the league. Many of the greatest players and coaches in WNBA history trace their roots back to her legendary Tennessee program, where she built a dynasty that revolutionized women’s basketball.
Throughout her career, Summitt coached and mentored countless stars who later became WNBA icons, including:
- Tamika Catchings (Hall of Famer, WNBA Champion, 10-time All-Star)
- Candace Parker (WNBA Champion, Finals MVP, two-time league MVP)
- Chamique Holdsclaw (Six-time WNBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year)
- Kara Lawson (WNBA Champion, ESPN analyst, Duke head coach)
- Semeka Randall, Nikki McCray, Michelle Snow, and many more
These players carried Summitt’s philosophy, toughness, and relentless pursuit of greatness into the WNBA, shaping the league’s culture and raising the standard for professional women’s basketball.
The Summitt Coaching Tree in the WNBA
Summitt’s coaching influence extends beyond players—many former Lady Vols have taken her leadership lessons and become successful WNBA coaches and executives. Her coaching tree continues to shape the league, ensuring that her philosophy of discipline, accountability, and toughness remains embedded in the sport.
For example:
- Kara Lawson transitioned into coaching after a successful WNBA and broadcasting career. She is now one of the most respected names in basketball.
- Nikki Fargas became a successful coach and later took on an executive role in the WNBA, serving as the President of the Las Vegas Aces.
- Tamika Catchings played a pivotal role in the Indiana Fever’s front office, further extending Summitt’s influence into management roles.
Even though Summitt never stood on the sidelines of a WNBA game, her philosophy continues to guide the league’s players, coaches, and executives.
Why Pat Summitt Deserves the Best WNBA Coach Honor
This posthumous recognition as the best WNBA coach in history isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about acknowledging the undeniable truth: No coach has shaped the WNBA more than Pat Summitt.
Here’s why Summitt is the greatest WNBA coach of all time, even without coaching a game in the league:
1. Her Players Defined the WNBA
Summitt’s former players dominated the WNBA’s early years, setting the tone for what the league would become. From Catchings to Parker to Holdsclaw, they brought Summitt’s mentality to the professional ranks, proving that her coaching was the blueprint for success.
2. She Elevated Women’s Basketball as a Whole
Summitt didn’t just build a program at Tennessee—she built women’s basketball into a powerhouse sport. Her ability to bring national attention to the game helped pave the way for the WNBA’s creation in 1996. Without Summitt’s relentless advocacy and excellence, the WNBA may not have reached the heights it has today.
3. Her Influence on Coaching Philosophy
Many of today’s WNBA coaches—whether they played under her or studied her techniques—implement Summitt’s principles of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Her defensive schemes, leadership methods, and focus on fundamentals are still taught at every level, including in the WNBA.
4. The Summitt Standard
Summitt’s leadership transcended basketball. She was a mentor, motivator, and role model whose influence extended to every woman who aspired to play or coach professionally. Her emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, and competitive fire set the standard for what it means to be an elite athlete in women’s sports.
A Legacy That Lives On
Although Summitt passed away in 2016 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, her impact on the game and its players will never fade. The WNBA, in many ways, is a living testament to her contributions.
Even now, teams and coaches continue to quote her philosophies, apply her coaching principles, and embody the values she instilled in her players.
Tributes from the Basketball Community
Upon receiving the honor as the best WNBA coach in history, many basketball figures paid tribute to Summitt:
- Tamika Catchings: “Coach Summitt’s influence is everywhere in the WNBA. She prepared us not just for basketball, but for life. She deserves every honor she gets.”
- Candace Parker: “I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today without Pat Summitt. She’s still coaching us, even now.”
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert: “Pat Summitt’s contributions to women’s basketball go beyond wins and championships. She was a visionary leader whose influence is still felt today.”