Pat Summitt, a legendary figure in women’s college basketball, not only transformed the sport but also left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her, including her ex-husband, R.B. Summitt.
Pat Summitt was a pioneering figure in women’s college basketball, coaching the University of Tennessee Lady Vols from 1974 to 2012.
With 1,098 career wins, she held the NCAA Division I record for most victories at her retirement.
Summitt led her team to eight NCAA championships and never had a losing season.
This solidified her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest coaches.
She won a silver medal at the 1976 Olympics and a gold medal as a head coach at the 1984 Olympics.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inducted Summitt in 1999.
She was also named Naismith Coach of the Century in 2000.
Summitt’s impact extended beyond the hardwood, earning numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
She retired due to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, but her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s basketball remains enduring.
Pat Summitt’s 27-Year Marriage Ended in 2007 Due to Irreconcilable Differences
R.B. Summitt, born Ross Barnes Summitt II, is best known as the ex-husband of legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt.
The couple married on August 23, 1980, and had one son, Tyler Summitt, born on September 21, 1990.
Their 27-year marriage ended in 2007 when Pat filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
They finalized the divorce in 2008.
Despite their separation, R.B. Summitt continued supporting his son and ex-wife.
R.B. Summitt worked for Sevier County Bank for over three decades, eventually becoming president of the institution.
He earned a strong reputation for his long tenure at the bank and played a significant role in driving the financial growth of the community.
Throughout his career, he also served on various boards, including that of the nonprofit organization Discover Life in America, which focuses on preserving the biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Although R.B. Summitt graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in microbiology, he chose to pursue a career in banking instead of continuing in the science field.
His connection to the University of Tennessee extended beyond his education.
He was a frequent presence at the Lady Vols‘ basketball games, often seen supporting his wife during her 38-year coaching career.
In addition to his career achievements, R.B. Summitt earned recognition for quietly yet unwaveringly supporting his wife’s groundbreaking work in women’s sports.
Despite their divorce, R.B. remained involved in his son’s life.
R.B. is now married to Liz Lovelace.
Tyler, who followed in his mother’s footsteps as a basketball coach, resigned from his position as head coach at Louisiana Tech after a scandal involving an inappropriate relationship.
Today, R.B. Summitt enjoys a quieter life, focusing on family, community, and his interests in nature.
He intertwined his legacy with the rise of women’s basketball, a sport that his former wife’s remarkable career significantly shaped.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Summitt established a foundation to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the disease.
- Pat Summitt passed away on June 28, 2016, just two weeks after her 64th birthday, at a senior living facility in Knoxville where she enjoyed hobbies like crocheting.
- Summitt left her entire estate to her son, Tyler, and in honor of her contributions, the Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Clinic was opened at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
