Sum It Up

A Thousand and Ninety-Eight Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life in Perspective

By: Pat Head Summitt, Sally Jenkins

Narrated by: Sally Jenkins

Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Pat Summitt, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history and best-selling author of Reach for the Summitt and Raise the Roof, tells for the first time her remarkable story of victory and resilience as well as facing down her greatest challenge: early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Pat Summitt was only 21 when she became head coach of the Tennessee Vols women's basketball team. For 38 years, she has broken records, winning more games than any NCAA team in basketball history. She has coached an undefeated season, co-captained the first women's Olympic team, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and has been named Sports Illustrated "Sportswoman of the Year".

She owes her coaching success to her personal struggles and triumphs. She learned to be tough from her strict, demanding father. Motherhood taught her to balance that rigidity with communication and kindness. She is a role model for the many women she's coached; 74 of her players have become coaches.

Pat's life took a shocking turn in 2011, when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, an irreversible brain condition that affects 5 million Americans. Despite her devastating diagnosis, she led the Vols to win their 16th SEC championship in March 2012. Pat continues to be a fighter, facing this new challenge the way she's faced every other - with hard work, perseverance, and a sense of humor.

©2013 Pat Head Summitt (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"I have admired Pat Summitt for many years. To me, she epitomizes what it means to be a coach. Not only has she molded championship teams, but she has helped her players grow as people and always done it with class and dignity. This book gives us tremendous lessons for winning on and off the court." (Tony Dungy, former professional American football player and NFL coach, and number-one New York Times best-selling author of Quiet Strength and Uncommon)

"Pat was a pioneer. She has led women’s basketball over the last three decades. As a result of her leadership, women’s basketball has achieved great heights. I consider a true honor to call her a friend.” (Mike Krzyzewski, head basketball coach, Duke University)

"Basketball legend Pat Summitt recalls her life in vivid detail, describing its triumphs, both on and off the court.... With her trademark honesty and grace, Summitt reveals her fears, her early anger and astonishment, her diminishing abilities, her decision to retire, and how her faith sustains her. "(USA Today)

Amazing Person!

I had no idea who Pat Summitt was before listening to this book. I came away with and immense respect for her as I was lead through her life by the narrator. The narrator is excellent and the author. She reads the story with just enough southern twang to transport you to Tennessee in an instant. One of the best narrated books I have listened to!

I loved this book.

Every time I listen to this book I find myself knowing that not having an opportunity to meet this extroidanary woman is one of my great disappointments.

I Loved It!!!

I am not a big basketball fan, but I grow up in Tenneessee where you don't have to be a basketball fan to know Pat Summitt.

Beautiful Story of a life well lived.

I loved this book because of how transparent Pat Head Summitt became on its pages. She gives us a glimpse into her life, the good and the bad, the pain and the joy. It’s a beautiful story of a beautiful woman and her memories. She lives on through this book and has continued to inspire me through its pages. Life is what you make of it. “Do it and do it right.”

A must read or listen

You feel like Pat is right in your living room telling her story with Sally Jenkins voice however. American icon and just an amazing story. Gone too soon she was. Have my daughters listening also. Hoops is life.

Loved it

I used to work in Knoxville and spent much time with the Lady Vols program. This was after Summitt’s death. I heard story after story about her and knew I needed to read this book. I learned so much. RIP Pat.

For a women's basketball enthusiast, this is a must!

History lesson, motivational and inspiring story all in one! Great illustrations detailing a strong woman & her journey.

Wonderful and Inspiring

I know it wasn’t Pat herself reading, but you sure could make yourself believe it was. Wonderful narration, and compelling story. I think much of it would be interesting for someone even if they have no interest in basketball. Once the book ended I immediately had that feeling of missing her, and perhaps mourning her all over again. Great read!

Lady Vol

As a lady Vol and a player of Pat's, I must say this book is amazing. Very true to the Journey and a wonderful read. Miss you everyday, Pat.

Sydney Smallbone

Inspiring and heartbreaking

I'm not even a basketball fan but I loved this book. Pat Head Summit was an honest passionate brilliant coach I listened to this book on a long drive alone to colorado facing several major crossroads in my life. this book helped me a great deal. Pat was a can do kind of person and she did not wallow in self pity despite her diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's. Greatest respect for this woman who died far to young