June 29, 2016
The Paulist Fathers extend their prayers and sympathies to the family of Coach Pat Summitt who died June 28, 2016, as well as to the Lady Vols Student Athletes, coaches, fans, and the University of Tennessee community, which we are honored to serve at St. John XXIII University Parish.
Coach Summitt exemplified the best of what the University of Tennessee is about: commitment to excellence, to higher education, and to service. She expected the best from all those she coached, on the court, in the classroom and in the community. While she was intense on the court, she was always gracious when you saw her on campus, or around town. She was a class act and raised the bar for women’s athletics in the United States. Even in her illness, she brought a dignity and grace that will be as meaningful to many as the games and championships she won.
She lived the scripture passage from St Paul, who said: “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 7)
May Coach Summitt rest in peace and may the Angels lead her to the Heavenly Court on high!
Fr. Eric Andrews, C.S.P., is president of the Paulist Fathers. From 2000 to 2009, he served at St. John XXIII University Parish in Knoxville, TN.