Happier tone for memorial

Warlick will talk about fun times with Summitt

With all the tears that have been shed and sorrow that has been felt since the death of legendary Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, coach Holly Warlick thinks the Big Orange fan base could use a lift.

And that’s what Warlick hopes to help provide Thursday at the celebration of life service for Summitt at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn.

“It’s going to be tough, but we’re going to try to tell stories and talk about the side of Pat that maybe people don’t know,” Warlick said after speaking at the Tennessee All Sports Picnic in Nashville on Tuesday.

“We all know what kind of person she was, how serious she was about basketball and her mission. But I know for myself, I’m going to try to tell stories that people have not heard. Pat had fun. She was fun to be around. We laughed, we told stories and we embellished stories. We had a great time. That’s what I want to talk about at this point.”

It’s not the professional relationship that Warlick, a former Lady Vol who spent 27 years as an assistant under Summitt, finds herself missing the most.

“It’s the fun that we had,” Warlick said. “I miss Pat’s basketball and her being on the court, but I also miss just being able to pick up the phone and talking to her about anything. The personal side of it. That’s what we’re going to try to get across to everybody Thursday.”

Warlick said Tuesday that she has sensed a change among her players since Summitt died. She said there’s perhaps a greater determination to play well in 2016-17.

The Lady Vols struggled at times last season before bouncing back to finish in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament and post a 22-14 record.

“I can’t help but to think about what Pat’s legacy means to (the players),” Warlick said. “They came to Tennessee because of what Pat has built, that great foundation. They understand they’re very fortunate. They’re playing in a program that was built by a legend.”

Warlick said she has been overwhelmed by all of the support she and her program have received since Summitt died June 28.

“The notes, the letters, the calls, the texts, the emails expressing love for Coach Summitt has been absolutely incredible,” Warlick said. “I say she touched the sporting side of life, but it’s so amazing that she touched people that have nothing to do with athletics. I think everybody, especially in the state of Tennessee, thinks they personally knew Pat Summitt because that’s the type of person she was.”