SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Assistant Athletic Director at Dakota State University, Jared Indahl, played a year on the male practice squad for Pat Summitt's Lady Vol's basketball team.
Indahl says Tennessee faces the top teams in the country and Summitt wanted the practice squad to play their toughest against the women. He says she also cared for all players.
Indahl says he was sitting on the bench one day and Summitt came up to him knowing that he was from South Dakota and asked if he was okay, being so far away from home. He says was touching that she would take the time during practice.
To get the most out of her Lady Vol's in practice Pat Summitt utilized a male practice squad and the current Assistant Athletic Director at Dakota State University was on that squad during her last year coaching.
Jared Indahl says Summitt was larger than life. He says when she walked into a room all eyes focused on her.
He says she has always been a mentor to him. Her philosphy is that you can control your attitude and the effort you put forth. That's what he learned from her.
The news that Summitt was battling Alzheimers was released while Indahl was on the practice squad.
Summitt died this morning at the age of 64.
Inhdahl hasn't heard of the date and timing of services and hasn't decide yet if he'll attend Summitt's funeral in Knoxville.