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Michelle Marciniak Celebrates Pat Summitt During Unveiling of New Banner at Tennessee
Pat Summitt, the winning-est coach in NCAA Basketball history, was honored last week with a huge 12 foot by 20 foot banner hung to the Boling Alley rafters before the Tennessee women tipped off against Notre Dame. With a record that includes, “a staggering 1,098 wins. The 18 Final Fours. The 21 different All-Americans. The 100 percent graduation rate. The 78 players sent into the coaching ranks,” the stadium hardly had room for Pat’s newest banner!
According to Michelle Marciniak, the first MVP of the 1996 Final Four, “What makes Pat so special is her humility.” She added, “I’m just so glad she was able to be here and get this opportunity for people to honor her.”
Despite Michelle’s busy schedule with SHEEX she makes it a point to spend quality time with her beloved coach Pat, who suffers from early onset dementia. “Things are different,” said Marciniak, “but what’s special to me is to just sit and be with her even if we don’t talk about that much.” And quality time involves plenty of cooking, “Italian marinated chicken that is to die for,” Marciniak said. “Creamed jalapeno corn. Salmon teriyaki, open faced on the grill. Want me to go on?”
A few months ago, Michelle told a website that she sometimes hears Summitt’s voice after business meetings.
“She’ll say, ‘OK, you had a great meeting today. So now what?…I hear her voice all the time. She’s just so special.”
Content excerpted from the following articles:
“Pat Summitt’s titles barely left room for her own banner” by Mike Strange (Go Vols Xtra)
“Pat Summitt’s banner night stirs crowd” by Mark Wiedmer (Times Free Press)
My Intern Story: Marketing Intern Brittany Mitchell
Brittany- Marketing Intern
I never thought I would end up doing an internship in Irmo, South Carolina. I’m not really into small cities as evident by the fact that I spent most of my childhood trying to get out of Nashville because it was too small. For my last internship I moved to the heart of Paris for 7 months and couldn’t have felt more at home. So when both Marty and Anthony (fellow IMBAs at the Moore School of Business) talked to me about interning at SHEEX I was vehemently opposed to any city too small to have a subway system–no less a town that I’d never even heard of. But here I am in Irmo, South Carolina.
What sold the internship at SHEEX to me was the combination of smart, dynamic people and a very unique product that has so much potential from a marketing perspective. I am fascinated by the thought and creativity that goes into growing a luxury brand. When I first looked at the SHEEX website, packaging, advertising and PR, I thought, this company isn’t selling sheets, they are selling a lifestyle, which is something I want to stand behind. Marty and Anthony explained to me the history of the company and the technology behind the product and how important functionality is to the brand. Co-CEOs Susan and Michelle are even more interesting than their backgrounds as star players and award-winning coaches suggest. It also doesn’t hurt that Michelle and I share the same Alma Mater… Go VOLS! From the beginning everything about the company seemed unconventional which sparked my interest even more. After a 20 minute interview with Susan I was sold. I spent the rest of the week explaining to friends and family why staying in South Carolina over the summer actually made more sense than doing anything else.
After only a few months my responsibilities include copywriting, collaborating with the CMO and other agencies on marketing campaigns, product and market research, branding strategy and community management. I also have responsibilities as the intern manager which include recruiting new interns, managing the current intern project list and building relationships with USC to do client-based project work in certain classes. Despite all my past internships and work experiences, SHEEX is by far the most interesting, fun and challenging experience I’ve had so far. Who would have guessed that a big city girl could have such a good time and grow professionally in cute, little Irmo, SC!
Michelle Speaks for Legend, Coach and Friend: Pat Summit
On June 22nd, Michelle was honored to speak on behalf of Pat Summit, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA history and former coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team. Michelle and Pat’s relationship goes all the way back to 1996 when Michelle led the Lady Vols to their 4th NCAA National Championship Title. At the speaking engagement last week, Michelle shared some of her fondest memories of playing for Pat and showed her support for the Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Michelle and Pat Summitt at a reception before Michelle speaks on behalf of Pat at a corporate speaking engagement in downtown Nashville, TN honoring Pat and supporting the Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Foundation.
SHEEX on GMA / Michelle TV Interview
Did you catch SHEEX featured on Good Morning America this past Monday? In a segment highlighting technology-infused sleep products, GMA’s Becky Worley called SHEEX “satiny smooth” and “super comfy.” Host Robin Roberts then revealed to the world that she’s a satisfied SHEEX owner, saying “I love them!”
GMA isn’t the only TV exposure SHEEX has gotten recently. Michelle was interviewed by Knoxville’s WATE-TV for a story on her transition from basketball star to coach to businesswoman, and how playing at the University of Tennessee for the legendary Pat Summitt has had an impact on that development.
Michelle’s Thoughts on Pat Summitt Diagnosis
By now you may have heard the news about my former college basketball coach, Pat Summitt, who recently announced that she has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Pat is very dear to me, and so taking in this shocking news has made it a difficult week for me, just as it has been for the entire Tennessee family.
Knowing Pat as I do, I am confident she will meet this challenge with the same courage and never-quit attitude that are responsible for the unparalleled success she has enjoyed as an inspiring figure on and off the basketball court. While this news has prompted a natural opportunity to reflect on all the great things Pat has done for the game of basketball, I believe it is just as important to focus on how she has impacted the lives of those around her.
I’m lucky to count myself as one of those people whose lives have been enriched by knowing Pat. Her strength, characterized by unmatched tenacity and a dedication to excellence, has been a model for my own life, and it inspired me as a basketball player, coach, and now as a businesswoman.
Many people have asked for my reaction to the news of Pat’s diagnosis. Below you’ll find links to some of my own thoughts about Pat and what she has meant to me.
SI.com: Ex-Lady Vol Marciniak on Summitt’s diagnosis, her future and more
CNN/Fortune: What makes Pat Summitt a remarkable leader? An MVP explains
Photo by David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated
