Longtime ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe recently revealed a deeply personal and striking anecdote about her professional and personal loyalties, disclosing that she once ended a romantic relationship over comments her boyfriend made about legendary former Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt.
Rowe, a respected fixture in sports broadcasting for decades, is known for her enthusiastic coverage and close relationships with many figures across college sports. Her story sheds light on the intense level of respect and admiration she holds for Summitt, who remains one of the most revered figures in basketball history.
During a recent interview, Rowe recounted how a relationship with a man she described as “smoking hot” came to an abrupt halt after he dared to criticize Summitt’s coaching decisions. While Rowe did not name the former boyfriend or the specific comments made, she emphasized that the critique was sufficient to disqualify him from her life.
Speaking at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, Rowe said they had been dating for four years and everything seemed great, until one night at the 2012 ESPYS changed everything. During the show, legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for her brave battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Rowe was deeply moved by the tribute and started crying.
That’s when her then-boyfriend leaned over and asked, “What’s wrong with you? She’s just a coach.” Rowe said that was it.
“We broke up,” she told the crowd. “So I just need you to understand I gave up Mr. Switzerland because of Pat Summitt. This is a true story.”
The anecdote underscores the profound connection that Summitt forged with people in the sports world. Summitt, who passed away in 2016, retired as the NCAA’s all-time winningest basketball coach, men’s or women’s, leading the Lady Volunteers to eight national championships during her 38-year tenure. She was equally renowned for her demanding yet compassionate coaching style, her unparalleled success, and her enduring influence on women’s athletics.
For Rowe, whose career has often placed her courtside for Summitt’s greatest triumphs, the coach represented more than just victories; she represented integrity, competitive spirit, and the trailblazing advancement of women’s sports. The personal offense Rowe took to the critical remarks illustrates how deeply those professional relationships run.
In a world where sports media often focuses on hot takes and controversy, Rowe’s decision to prioritize her loyalty to Summitt over a personal relationship is a powerful statement about the values she holds. The story, now circulating widely on social media, has drawn support from fans who recognize and applaud her unwavering devotion to a figure considered royalty in the college basketball landscape. The lesson, it seems, is clear: in Holly Rowe’s world, Pat Summitt remains untouchable.
