31 Mar 1996: Head Coach Pat Summitt of Tennessee celebrate with her son Tyler after the Lady Volunteers defeat Georgia in the championship game of the NCAA Women”s Final Four played at Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tennessee defeated Ge

The world of college basketball was rocked back in 2011 when legendary Tennessee Volunteers women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt announced that she had early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type. Since then, Summitt has not been nearly the public figure she was for nearly four decades with the Vols program.

However, on Sunday, worry has crept in over her overall health as her family has reportedly said Summitt was struggling and that they were prepping for the worst. According to the source for USA Today, few know just how long Summitt will last.

The family and close friends are by her side, and on Sunday the family issued a public statement regarding Summitt’s health.

“The past few days have been difficult for Pat as her early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s Type progresses.”

The statement from Erin Freeman of Ackermann Public Relations also said, “She is surrounded by those who mean the most to her and during this time, we ask for prayers for Pat and her family and friends, as well as your utmost respect and privacy. Thank you.”

Summitt’s reach at UT was far beyond that of the Lady Vols basketball program. Tweets and messages of support came pouring in upon the news of Pat’s situation began to spread. Perhaps most notable were those of Vols football quarterback Joshua Dobbs and head coach Butch Jones.

About Andrew Coppens

Andy is a contributor to The Comeback as well as Publisher of Big Ten site talking10. He also is a member of the FWAA and has been covering college sports since 2011. Andy is an avid soccer fan and runs the Celtic FC site The Celtic Bhoys. If he's not writing about sports, you can find him enjoying them in front of the TV with a good beer!