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Raise the Roof: The Inspiring Inside Story of the Tennessee Lady Vols' Groundbreaking Season in Women's College Basketball
"It wasn't a team. It was a tent revival."
So says Pat Summitt, the legendary coach whose Tennessee Lady Vols entered the 1997-98 season aiming for an almost unprecedented "three-peat" of NCAA championships. Raise the Roof takes you right inside the locker room of her amazing team, whose inspired mixture of gifted freshmen and seasoned stars produced a standard of play that would change the game of women's basketball forever.
The 1997-98 season started innocently enough. One Saturday in August, four young freshmen--Semeka Randall, Tamika Catchings, Ace Clement and Teresa Geter--arrived on the Tennessee campus to begin their college careers. Welcoming them were a number of players from the previous year, including Chamique Holdsclaw and Kellie Jolly. But that night, in a sign of things to come, a simple pickup game turned into an amazing display of basketball brilliance--freshmen against established players, and with barely a shot missed by either side. Suddenly Pat Summitt glimpsed the fast, aggressive and hugely talented. This might be the team she'd worked her whole career to coach.
As the season got under way, other dramas unfolded. After one emotional team meeting, Summitt realized that many on the team were playing for something more than just the glory of the all four freshmen, for example, came from single-parent homes, and the tough circumstances of the majority of the other players seemed to add an extra edge to their desire to win it all. Further, Chamique Holdsclaw, widely regarded as the greatest female player ever, was being dogged by questions about turning pro--and she seemed reluctant to rule it out. Meanwhile, another member of the team began to notice the unwelcome attentions of a fan, who soon turned out to be a full-fledged stalker.
All this was behind the scenes; out on the court, the win column was swelling with every 8-0, 15-0, 21-0. As 1997 turned into 1998, Pat Summitt began privately to admit that this team had changed these kids were so lovable, funny and eager to please that she simply had to let them into her heart. Along the way, the Lady Vols were redefining what women were capable of, trading in old definitions of femininity for new ones--in short, they were keeping score. And by the time they entered the NCAA Final Four tournament in Kansas City, Summitt found herself believing the despite all the distractions, the 1997-98 Lady Vols could go undefeated, and, in doing so, raise the roof off the sport of women's basketball.
Packed with the excitement of a season on the brink of perfection and filled with the comedy and tragedy of one year in the life of a basketball team, Raise the Roof will have readers cheering from the bench for a team of all-conquering players and their astonishing coach.
So says Pat Summitt, the legendary coach whose Tennessee Lady Vols entered the 1997-98 season aiming for an almost unprecedented "three-peat" of NCAA championships. Raise the Roof takes you right inside the locker room of her amazing team, whose inspired mixture of gifted freshmen and seasoned stars produced a standard of play that would change the game of women's basketball forever.
The 1997-98 season started innocently enough. One Saturday in August, four young freshmen--Semeka Randall, Tamika Catchings, Ace Clement and Teresa Geter--arrived on the Tennessee campus to begin their college careers. Welcoming them were a number of players from the previous year, including Chamique Holdsclaw and Kellie Jolly. But that night, in a sign of things to come, a simple pickup game turned into an amazing display of basketball brilliance--freshmen against established players, and with barely a shot missed by either side. Suddenly Pat Summitt glimpsed the fast, aggressive and hugely talented. This might be the team she'd worked her whole career to coach.
As the season got under way, other dramas unfolded. After one emotional team meeting, Summitt realized that many on the team were playing for something more than just the glory of the all four freshmen, for example, came from single-parent homes, and the tough circumstances of the majority of the other players seemed to add an extra edge to their desire to win it all. Further, Chamique Holdsclaw, widely regarded as the greatest female player ever, was being dogged by questions about turning pro--and she seemed reluctant to rule it out. Meanwhile, another member of the team began to notice the unwelcome attentions of a fan, who soon turned out to be a full-fledged stalker.
All this was behind the scenes; out on the court, the win column was swelling with every 8-0, 15-0, 21-0. As 1997 turned into 1998, Pat Summitt began privately to admit that this team had changed these kids were so lovable, funny and eager to please that she simply had to let them into her heart. Along the way, the Lady Vols were redefining what women were capable of, trading in old definitions of femininity for new ones--in short, they were keeping score. And by the time they entered the NCAA Final Four tournament in Kansas City, Summitt found herself believing the despite all the distractions, the 1997-98 Lady Vols could go undefeated, and, in doing so, raise the roof off the sport of women's basketball.
Packed with the excitement of a season on the brink of perfection and filled with the comedy and tragedy of one year in the life of a basketball team, Raise the Roof will have readers cheering from the bench for a team of all-conquering players and their astonishing coach.
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 1998
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About the author
Pat Summitt
14 books26 followersPatricia Sue "Pat" Summitt was is a women's college basketball head coach. She served as the head coach emeritus of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team. She is the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history of either a men's or women's team in any division. She coached from 1974 to 2012, all with the Lady Vols, winning eight NCAA national championships, second only to the record 10 titles won by UCLA men's coach John Wooden. She is the only coach in NCAA history, and one of three college coaches overall, with at least 1,000 victories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 7, 2020
I can’t even put to words how much I loved this book. As a fan of basketball I felt like I was right there with them. I thoroughly enjoyed the season of wins with them. What an amazing accomplishment even all these years later.
January 6, 2026
I highly recommend this book. The only book I have ever read twice. Even being almost 30 years ago still one of the best seasons of Women’s basketball ever played. Such an inspiring coach. Gone too soon. I got to see them play that season at Vanderbilt. So happy I was able to be a tiny part of that undefeated season.
March 5, 2020
Pat Summitt -- greatest coach ever. Don't care what you say about Geno. Not impressive playing in a shit "American" conference beating nothing but losing teams like Tulane (13-16), East Carolina (9-20), Memphis (13-16), Tulsa (9-20), Houston (12-18) and other teams that strike fear into opponents hearts., while the Lady Vols have typically led the country in the hard schedule annually dating back decades and while many good teams from REAL, actual competitive conferences play tough teams each week and the ones that survive, UConn has a damn tough time with -- which does not surprise me. There's a reason they haven't won a national championship in years, or even been to a finals game. This year (2020), they actually finally scheduled some hard ranked teams for once, so they played #6 Baylor at home (they always seem to play the tough teams in Connecticut -- how the hell does THAT always happen???) and got their asses kicked -- worst loss at UConn during Geno's tenure. Then they lost to the women's national team, a team Oregon killed before the season. Played #23 UT next, and I never thought UT would have a chance considering we lost 5 of our top 6 scorers from last year's team (one of whom transferred to UConn), have one experienced player and tons of freshmen with talent, but no experience. But UT played them tough till the end when UConn pulled away for a win. But follow that with a game against #3 Oregon, where they got their asses kicked again, 74-56, and then finally against #1 South Carolina, who also kicked their asses, 70-52. So sweet and exactly what I say would happen every year if UConn played in the SEC or PAC-12. They wouldn't have any pansy undefeated seasons anymore then!
Meanwhile, Pat has always played tough ranked teams annually, such as Texas, Notre Dame, Duke, Rutgers, Georgia, Baylor, Stanford, LSU, UNC, South Carolina, Oregon State, Mississippi State, Kentucky, etc. Different ball of wax there.
Pat Summit didn't invent women's basketball, but she made it grow, she brought national attention to it, she expanded it, gave people opportunities, taught, coached, won titles and championships and was probably the classiest coach of them all while doing it. I'd read any book by or about her, and I admit to a bias, but even if you're not a Lady Vol fan, this is still a good book, and if you are a UT fan, this is a must. Recommended!
Meanwhile, Pat has always played tough ranked teams annually, such as Texas, Notre Dame, Duke, Rutgers, Georgia, Baylor, Stanford, LSU, UNC, South Carolina, Oregon State, Mississippi State, Kentucky, etc. Different ball of wax there.
Pat Summit didn't invent women's basketball, but she made it grow, she brought national attention to it, she expanded it, gave people opportunities, taught, coached, won titles and championships and was probably the classiest coach of them all while doing it. I'd read any book by or about her, and I admit to a bias, but even if you're not a Lady Vol fan, this is still a good book, and if you are a UT fan, this is a must. Recommended!
January 13, 2024
I love Pat Summitt- one of the greatest coaches of all time
September 3, 2025
I wish I was able to experience Pat before she passed 😔 great job conveying this team and the basketball possession I felt like I was in it. The North Carolina game during the final 4 made me tear up!!!
February 2, 2018
Raise the Roof is a great book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of sports. Raise the Roof is about Pat Summit and the 97-98 Tennessee Lady Vols and their undefeated season. This book brings a lot of emotions, like hearing someone got injured. This book really makes you feel like you know the Pat Summit and the whole team. Great book I look forward to reading another book by Pat Summit.
July 20, 2017
This book will take you on a whirl wind of emotions and leave you ready to invite the whole 97-98 team over for Thanksgiving because you feel like you know them so well! Your heart races when you read about a close game and it breaks when you hear about an injury. If you have an interest in sports at all or just need a good read I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! 10/10
August 22, 2023
Real life Inspiration
This book is not just for a Lady Vol fan. The value of hard work and the courage needed to overcome difficult challenges is shown in the real lives of these young women. It is told with great warmth by an incredible coach and a woman with many life lessons to learn from. It made me smile, cry, and reflect. Definitely worth your time!
This book is not just for a Lady Vol fan. The value of hard work and the courage needed to overcome difficult challenges is shown in the real lives of these young women. It is told with great warmth by an incredible coach and a woman with many life lessons to learn from. It made me smile, cry, and reflect. Definitely worth your time!
July 17, 2024
great story. great team
Moving, funny, exciting, and wise all at once.
I’d heard about many of these players, but what a treat to catch a glimpse of them leaving home & just starting college
But Pat Summitt’s vulnerability and humor - sharing what those young women taught her - is what makes this book special
Moving, funny, exciting, and wise all at once.
I’d heard about many of these players, but what a treat to catch a glimpse of them leaving home & just starting college
But Pat Summitt’s vulnerability and humor - sharing what those young women taught her - is what makes this book special
April 26, 2024
How exciting!!! So so good! Great writing! Fantastic characters! Easy to be a fan of the Lady Vols and especially Pat Summit after this heartfelt look at their 97-98 undefeated season.
Loved it!
Thank you Pat Summit and Sally Jenkins
Loved it!
Thank you Pat Summit and Sally Jenkins
June 21, 2025
She was a great coach and a flawed person. This is written with so much basketball jargon that I had trouble following the story of the championship. If you love basketball and girl family drama, enjoy.
September 20, 2018
Good story !
September 12, 2019
I loved this book, It was very interesting and a lot of action!
April 3, 2020
Wonderfully written. Pat Summitt was one of the greats.
April 16, 2020
Good example of adapting as a leader in order to get the best out of someone. Excellent.
August 6, 2023
Pat Summitt is literally a legend.
October 23, 2023
This is quite literally my favorite my favorite book ever. Anytime I need motivation or a pick me up, I go here. I read it at least once a year
February 13, 2024
loved this book! the stories were detailed and had a way of drawing me in. the excellence this team and program reached was simply incredible.
January 15, 2017
I chose this for ReadHarder2017 - #1 Read a book about sports.
I remember, vaguely, the season discussed in this book. Being from Kentucky, my family (well, immediate family - there are some Tennesseans in there!) never followed Vols sports. But, this particular team of Lady Vols did make the news all over the place.
The book was very engaging. Summitt discusses a little bit her philosophy of coaching a team, but mostly the book centers around the relationships she had with her players and how she changed the way she approached these women as they charged to the top of the national stage. I was surprised by how much I liked it; I was not expecting to find a sports book (even if it is basketball!) so engaging. Definitely worth a read.
I remember, vaguely, the season discussed in this book. Being from Kentucky, my family (well, immediate family - there are some Tennesseans in there!) never followed Vols sports. But, this particular team of Lady Vols did make the news all over the place.
The book was very engaging. Summitt discusses a little bit her philosophy of coaching a team, but mostly the book centers around the relationships she had with her players and how she changed the way she approached these women as they charged to the top of the national stage. I was surprised by how much I liked it; I was not expecting to find a sports book (even if it is basketball!) so engaging. Definitely worth a read.
August 31, 2009
If you’re interested in women’s basketball, or if you like a good sports story, this nonfiction narrative is for you. The story of the undefeated 1997-8 Tennessee Lady Volunteers, who achieved the almost unprecedented “threepeat” of the NCAA women’s basketball championship, this book reveals the behind the scenes conflicts and dramas of a pressure laden season of play. The nature of the coach and how she is changed by the special nature of that particular team of young women makes this book touching as well as gripping. Positive.
September 24, 2010
I loved this book. I would recommend this book if you are into sports, especially basketball. I just couldn't put it down! Raise the Roof is an inspiring book about the Tennessee Lady Volunteers (Vols) and there coach Pat Summitt. It's about how Pat Summitt led the Tennessee girls' basketball team to the championships. The best part about reading this book is it made me feel like I was right there on the court. It gives you a feel on what college basketball is like. Seriously....Read this!
March 2, 2013
Pat Summit teams with Sally Jerkins again for her 2nd sports-commentary-memoir on the 1st college basketball team to reach 39-0. After facing so many tribulations during a 29-10 nat'l title team, Summit brings in a #1 recruiting class with Tamika Catchings, Semeka Rendall, and Teresa Geter. Chamique Holdsclaw is no short of amazing as she earned All individual honors during this season. As a lady vols basketball fan, I love how candid and revealing the truimph of one of Pat Summit's finest teams ever put together on and off the court. Highly recommended to all vols and general hoops fans.
September 17, 2014
Raise the Roof was a very good book and I enjoyed it very much. My favorite parts of the book is when she tells you the games and the play by play she does also. This book also create an image in your head about how Pat coached and handled the toughest times.
Overall this book is great and I didn't get bored with it at all. I really enjoy her books and would like to read all of them.
Overall this book is great and I didn't get bored with it at all. I really enjoy her books and would like to read all of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2008
You know it--the second book by Pat Summit. This one reads more like an autobiography. We all know the Pat Summit steely stare, but this book lets you see the other sides to Pat Summit and how much she cares about her family, her friends and her teams.
August 9, 2008
I learned that I know nothing about Basketball, yet this book spoke to me about people working together, and being challenged by a woman I would NOT be able to work with. I could not put the book down. We went to the movies, and I tried to read it in the hallway.
February 21, 2015
This was a great book about Tennessee's 39-0 undefeated season that resulted in a third consecutive national championship. I loved the discussion of the psychology and relationships between Coach Pat Summitt and her players and her assistant coaches. It was a great read.
January 6, 2021
Absolutely inspiring! It is intriguing to have the opportunity to hear some of the inner workings of Pat Summitt's heart and mind. Sort of like a behind-the-scenes eavesdropping. She will always be a legend and she is missed.
April 10, 2007
Go Lady Vols!! National Champions!!!Again
December 22, 2007
This is basically a worse version of Reach for the Summit.
December 25, 2007
Pat Summitt never lets me down. She is an amazing coach and I would love to crawl inside her mind for one day. This book does not disappoint. I would loved to have been a Lady Vol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews