LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks, in partnership with Candace Parker, Inc., Adidas, and the Pat Summitt Leadership Group, are proud to announce Pat Summitt Leadership Night on Aug. 8 when the Sparks take on the Phoenix Mercury at Staples Center. The night will honor the life, legacy and impact of the late University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt through in-game activations, video tributes, community awards and a post-game talk where two-time MVP Candace Parker, who won two national titles playing for Summitt, will speak about leadership on and off the court.
“While Pat Summitt was known as a legendary coach, she was truly an educator that emphasized passion and people,” Parker said. “Coach was the hardest working person I know. She walked the walk every day and the way that she lived – inspired. Whether winning championships or battling life’s ups and downs, she was a fierce competitor on and off the court. Our job is to carry on her legacy.”
Fans in attendance will get a commemorative Candace Parker/Pat Summitt poster as they leave and the Pat Summitt Leadership Group will also be selling a T-Shirt with Parker’s favorite mantra passed on by Summitt, “Left Foot, Right Foot, Breathe, Repeat.” Net proceeds will benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation.
During the game, which is at 7 p.m. PT and will be televised on ESPN2, Parker will wear a custom shoe she designed with Adidas. Aptly named by Candace as HERoics, the orange and purple shoe pays homage to Summitt and honors the coach’s 1,098 wins, eight national titles, her 100% graduation rate and her fierceness, courage and powerful blue eyes. A pair of the shoes will be also be given to a lucky Sparks fan who purchased the special Sparks ticket package.