Teary-eyed ex-Tennessee star Candace Parker reflects on Pat Summitt’s legacy

Candace Parker’s journey to becoming a two-time WNBA MVP started at the University of Tennessee, where she rose to national basketball prominence. Under the guidance of legendary coach Pat Summitt, Parker was a key member of two national championship-winning teams and earned NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors along the way.

During a recent “Storytime” segment on “NBA on TNT,” Parker reflected on the valuable lessons she learned from Coach Summitt. One piece of advice that stuck with her was the importance of eye contact. Parker recalled how Summitt’s crystal blue stare could motivate players to do anything, emphasizing the significance of carrying on her legacy.

Sadly, Summitt passed away in 2016 due to complications from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Despite her absence, Parker continues to honor her former coach’s memory by serving on the Pat Summitt Foundation’s Board of Directors, which aims to advance Alzheimer’s research.

In a touching moment on the show, Parker shared a story about her deep connection with Summitt during her college years. Lefkoe praised their relationship and expressed admiration for the special bond they shared. He thanked Parker for sharing her stories and highlighted the rarity of such a close mentor-mentee relationship.

Summitt’s legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history lives on through Parker and other players she mentored. With eight national titles to her name, Summitt’s impact on the sport is undeniable, and her influence continues to inspire those who knew her.

As a sports writer for Fox News Digital, Chantz Martin captures the essence of Parker’s tribute to her former coach and the lasting impact of Summitt’s teachings on her career. The rewritten content seamlessly integrates the original HTML tags and key points, providing a unique perspective on Parker’s journey from college standout to WNBA superstar.