During her recent on-line chat on ESPN.com, Summitt emphasized that it is more important to teach her athletes about life than about basketball, saying that her players are "role models." During her chat, Summitt also said she has no desire to coach in the WNBA and is very happy where she is.

An edited transcript from Summitt's Nov. 12 chat follows:

John Millener: Pat, as a "farm girl" you have an awful lot of class and I've heard about how you attempt to help your players become "complete women" with guidance on a variety of "off-court" personal development subjects. Where, who, what or when would you say were influencing factors in your life that brought this dimension to you and your program?

	Pat Summitt has won six NCAA championships at Tennessee.

Pat Summitt: Thank you for recognizing what is very important to us - the development of the total person. We try to instill in the players that we want them to grow and develop life skills and understand it's important how they present themselves. They are role models. It's a matter of influence from my college days, my experience in the sorority, as well as players I played with at Martin. That was important to them that we be good role models. And Billy Moore, my Olympic coach, instilled a lot of those qualities in me as well.

Jason: Pat, first of all, I want to thank you for publishing 'Reach for the Summit.' You don't know how much it has helped me in college and life in general. My GPA has gone from a 1.4 to a 2.8 since reading it. My question is, how hard has it been to resist the temptation of going to the WNBA?

Pat Summitt: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the book. I think the positive feedback I've received from individuals of all ages makes it even more gratifying. We are playing in Philadelphia if you can get there, if not, I'll see you in Cleveland.

I haven't wanted to go to the WNBA. I love working with college athletes, and one of the reasons I worked as an analyst with ESPN this summer was to see if the WNBA was more appealing than college, but it only confirmed that I love what I'm doing and will continue to stay with it.

Seattle Sistah: You've coached some incredible talent in your two-plus decades at Tennessee, one of the best players being Bridgette Gordon. Her time in the WNBA was less than stellar. What happened to her?

Pat Summitt: I think Bridget played a lot of years, had a lot of miles on her body, and I think her knees slowed her down. But she still can shoot the ball, and she's playing now overseas, and maybe she'll want to come back and play in the WNBA.

Edward Sampson: My question(s) is about zone defense. I watched the game last year against Duke. By the way I almost cried. How will you handle the teams this year that will play a zone defense against Tennessee? Do you have the three-point shooters to knock down the open shots?

Pat Summitt: We have improved with our recruiting in three-point shooting. Many of our freshman all shoot the three, and that's a plus for us. Hopefully that will give us enough weapons so that we'll be even tougher against our opponents in the postseason.

Kole: Is there any particular reason as to why we couldn't play Duke this season? I think we'd all like another shot at them.

Pat Summitt: We have not scheduled Duke as a regular-season opponent. We played them last year in Orlando in a tournament, and we did not have a return contract for this year.

Jack Minton: Leadership such as what you have is uncommon. Have you ever considered a political career after basketball?

Pat Summitt: Thanks. I have a brother who's a state representative, and I've been asked that a number of times. But I really have no desire to enter into the political arena.

Orange Fan in New York: How do you think Tamika will handle being a team leader and a team player?

Pat Summitt: I think Tamika will really blossom this year as a go-to player and leader for us. I've seen a lot of maturity from the Duke loss to the present, and she'll continue to get better because it's a priority for her.

Tenn4Life: Coach Summitt, is Ace ready? How does she look compared to Jolly?

Pat Summitt: I wouldn't even compare them - they're very different. She's getting ready every day, she's looked very strong in our first two scrimmages, and I really feel good about her. She has made the commitment mentally and emotionally to lead this team.

Judy: Pat, I just want to say thank you for what you bring to the university, class and a caring coach for her players. The rate of graduation you have is great. Being a good basketball player is important, but being a good person with a college degree is even better. Thanks from all Volunteers for how you represent the university.

Pat Summitt: Judy, thanks for your very kind words. I feel very fortunate to be at Tennessee and have the support of the faculty, students and fans. Graduating students is our No. 1 priority, and winning championships is even another reason to keep cheering for the Lady Vols.

Shannon: First of all, I would like to say that we would all love to see you as mayor here in Knoxville one day. Second, do you think we will see the slam dunk in a game this year?

Pat Summitt: Thanks, but I'd rather be coach than mayor.

I don't know if we'll see a dunk this year, but I don't think it'll be too long before we do. There are more and more players capable of dunking the ball, so hang on to your seat. It's going to happen.

Gomer D.: Pat, I've admired your electrifying style for many years now. Given the talent you have at your disposal, how do you feel the Lady Vols will fare this season?

Pat Summitt: I think we have the potential to be one of the top teams in the country if we stay healthy and stay inspired. I like our chances. I think the other teams to beat are Connecticut, Georgia, Rutgers, and a jump ball between Louisiana Tech and UCLA.

Thank you to all the women's basketball and Lady Vols fans. Let's enjoy a great season in '99-00.