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Candace Parker shares recruiting letter from Pat Summitt

Former Tennessee star Candace Parker shared a handwritten recruiting letter she once received from the late Pat Summitt.
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Former Tennessee star Candace Parker shared a handwritten recruiting letter she once received from the late Pat Summitt.

In a tweet on Tuesday after the news of Summitt’s death, Parker posted a letter from Summitt dating back to her high school days at Naperville Central in Illinois. Parker went on to lead the Lady Vols to consecutive titles, garnering numerous awards in the process. She left as one of the most decorated players in school history.

Below is Summitt’s letter to Parker, in which she makes another recruiting pitch that eventually landed.

Candace,

I enjoyed watching you play again. Makes me want very badly to coach you and see yu on the court with the Lady Vols. You truly are a “special athlete” ad its clear to me that you love the game. You will be an impact player wherever you go. I f you come to Tennessee, you will also have thousands of fans watch you every time you step on the court. Our fans would love your game.

Candace, I think I could help you on and off the court. I would do my best to help you level up as a player, person and student. We could have lots of fun in the process. Think about it. I want to be your coach!

Pat Summit

Summitt won eight NCAA titles and a record 1,098 games at Tennessee. She died at age 64 of early-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type.