Pat Summitt family: 'Past few days have been difficult' for legendary coach

Pat Summitt’s family released a statement late Sunday morning regarding the health of the former University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach, acknowledging: "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."

Five hours earlier, a source told the News Sentinel that Summitt was "struggling" and those close to her were "preparing for the worst."

"I don’t think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year," the source said.

PHOTOS | Pat Summitt

Summitt announced in August 2011 that she had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

As of late Saturday, Summitt, 64, had not been moved from the retirement center where she has been living since late January, the source said.

Summitt’s family and some former players were with her during the weekend and preparations were made to make public statements on her condition when necessary. ESPN reported that Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker flew to Knoxville on Friday. Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings told the News Sentinel that she visited Summitt. She came after the Fever’s game in Dallas on Saturday night and has returned to Indianapolis.

Social media was buzzing with prayer wishes for Summitt and her family. Among the well wishers was Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who tweeted early Sunday morning: "Praying for Coach @patsummitt and her family tonight!"

Incoming women’s basketball freshman Kamera Harris also tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers are with @patsummitt and her family!#PrayForPat"

Later on Sunday, Lady Vols forward Diamond DeShields tweeted, "She’s The reason why I’m even here man. #PrayForPat hang tight in there coach. We got your back."

Fellow Lady Vol Andraya Carter tweeted "My thoughts are with the greatest coach of all time and her wonderful family. Keep fighting @patsummitt!"

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley advised her Twitter followers "to lock hands and #PrayForPat."

Despite her diagnosis, Summitt coached the 2011-12 season before stepping down. She concluded her storied 38-year career with 1,098 victories and eight national championships.

Summitt, known for her icy glare on the sideline, was hired as the Lady Vols head coach as a 22-year-old in 1974. Two years later she was co-captain on the silver-medal winning U.S. Olympic team. In 1984 she coached the Olympic team to a gold medal.

Basketball factored into almost every aspect of her life, including the birth of her son, Tyler, in 1990. Even though her water had broken she finished a recruiting visit in Pennsylvania, then urged pilots not to stop on the way home so her son could be born in Tennessee.

Her all-time record was 1,098-208 (.840). She coached 47 percent of her games against ranked opponents and also had a .913 winning percentage at home (504-48).

The court at Thompson Boling Arena, where the Lady Vols and Vols play, is called "The Summitt."

The "We Back Pat" campaign began almost immediately after Summitt’s medical announcement. Fighting Alzheimer’s became her cause before her coaching career ended as well. In November 2011, Summitt and Tyler announced the formation of the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund, with proceeds going toward Alzheimer’s research.

President Barack Obama announced she was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in April 2012.

ESPN recognized her accomplishments with the documentary "Pat XO" in July 2013.

In November 2013, the Pat Summitt Plaza, which included a statue, was dedicated on campus.

Dan Fleser writes for the Knoxville News-Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY SPORTS NETWORK