Summitt's

Summitt's deeply competitive nature has not always made her popular with other coaches.

Summitt determined to face down Alzheimer's challenge 2011

John Thompson, the former men's coach at Georgetown, was talking about the Virginia earthquake that shook Washington, D.C., on his radio show Tuesday afternoon when he switched gears to talk about the shock of Summitt's news.

Summitt determined to face down Alzheimer's challenge 2011

Summitt's career, which started in 1974, is about to reach the pinnacle as she sits just two victories from 1,000.

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins 2009

Beth Kallmyer, senior director of constituent services for the Chicago-based Alzheimer's Association, talked about stress and Alzheimer's generally, not specifically about Summitt's case.

Summitt determined to face down Alzheimer's challenge 2011

ESPN programming executive Carol Stiff, who arranged the matchup, recalls Summitt's post-game comment to her, the coach exasperated after the loss but understanding the bigger picture: "For the good of the game."

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins 2009

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins 2009

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins - USATODAY. com

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins 2009

Over the years, nearly half Summitt's games have come against ranked teams.

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins 2009

"It used to be: my way or the highway," says assistant coach Holly Warlick, Summitt's point guard from 1977-80 and an assistant for the last 24 seasons.

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins 2009

Summitt's confrontations now are informed challenges.

Summitt's trek at Tennessee nears the pinnacle: 1,000 wins 2009