Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt retires

Knoxville -- , Tenn. - Pat Summitt, who won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball history, stepped down Wednesday as coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols, less than eight months after revealing she had early-onset dementia.

"I've loved being the head coach at Tennessee for 38 years, but I recognize that the time has come to move into the future and to step into a new role," the 59-year-old Hall of Famer said in a statement issued by the school.

Longtime assistant Holly Warlick will take over for Summitt, who will become head coach emeritus.

A news conference is scheduled Thursday afternoon at the school.

When the Lady Vols lost in a regional final to eventual national champion Baylor, Warlick's tears were a telltale sign of how draining the season had been and also that it probably was Summitt's last game.

"She is an icon who does not view herself in that light, and her legacy is well-defined and everlasting," athletic director Dave Hart said. "Just like there will never be another John Wooden, there will never be another Pat Summitt. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role. She is an inspiration to everyone."

Summitt will report to Hart while also assisting the program she guided to eight national titles since taking over in 1974.

Tennessee said that Summitt's responsibilities will include helping with recruiting, watching practice, joining staff meetings, helping analyze practices and games, advising the SEC and mentoring players.

Warlick, a three-time All-American who played for Summitt, was her assistant for 27 years.

Hart said that he watched Warlick grow this season under what he called "unique circumstances" and that she is deserving of the head-coaching job.

"Her mentor will be available for insight and advice, but this is Holly's team now," Hart said.

Summitt's career ends with a 1,098-208 record, 16 regular-season SEC championships and 16 SEC tournament titles.

During her time, Tennessee never failed to reach the NCAA Tournament, never was seeded lower than No. 5 and reached 18 Final Fours.