Few names in sports evoke as much admiration and respect as Pat Summitt, the legendary coach who transformed women’s college basketball and inspired countless athletes. Now, her remarkable life and enduring legacy are at the heart of a new documentary, "Breaking Glass: The Pat Summitt Story," set to premiere during the height of March Madness—an apt tribute to a woman who defined the game for generations.
The documentary, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter and executive-produced by "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts, will debut on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. For those who prefer traditional television, the film will air on ESPN2 on Sunday, March 29, and then on ESPN on Sunday, April 5. According to ABC News Studios, this timing coincides with the excitement of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, further cementing Summitt’s place in the sport’s pantheon.
"Breaking Glass: The Pat Summitt Story" draws viewers into the heart of Summitt’s journey, from her humble beginnings on a Tennessee dairy farm to her record-shattering tenure at the University of Tennessee. The film is not just a celebration of victories and championships—it’s a deeply personal portrait, built on never-before-seen archival footage, personal VHS tapes, voice recordings, and photographs. According to ABC News Studios, the documentary features rare interviews with Summitt herself, as well as firsthand accounts from those who knew her best, including her son Tyler Summitt, fellow coaches, players, family, and friends. The roster of interviewees reads like a who’s who of sports legends: Billie Jean King, Peyton Manning, Dawn Staley, Tamika Catchings, Holly Warlick, and Mickie DeMoss all appear, offering their insights and memories.
Summitt’s coaching career at Tennessee spanned nearly four decades, from 1974 to 2012. In that time, she amassed a staggering 1,098 victories—still the third-most in NCAA women’s basketball history, behind only Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer and UConn’s Geno Auriemma, as reported by USA Today. She led the Lady Vols to eight national championships and 16 SEC Tournament titles, building a dynasty that became synonymous with excellence. Her influence, however, extended far beyond the court. Summitt’s leadership and commitment to her players’ personal growth helped redefine what it meant to be a coach and a mentor in women’s sports.
Robin Roberts, who first met Summitt in 1987 after the coach’s first national championship, plays a central role in bringing this story to the screen. At the time, Roberts was a sports anchor in Nashville, and their professional relationship quickly blossomed into a lifelong friendship. As recounted by Knox News, the two supported each other through life’s toughest challenges, including Roberts’ battles with cancer and Summitt’s diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2011. Roberts’ personal connection to Summitt is evident throughout the film, lending it a warmth and authenticity that resonates with viewers.
For Tyler Summitt, Pat’s only son and co-founder of the Summitt Mindset, the documentary is more than just a film—it’s a celebration of his mother’s enduring spirit and a testament to the bonds she forged. "I am grateful to Rock’n Robin Productions, Trilogy Films, Tribeca Studios, and ABC News Studios for making this happen," Tyler said in a statement provided to ABC News. "Robin was one of my mom’s closest friends, and there is nobody my family trusts more to lead this project." He added, "It’s so amazing that she’s continued to be almost a mother figure here on earth for me. I’m grateful for the relationship with her, even though mom is gone, that she’s still here, and she’s just so committed to honoring my mom’s legacy."
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the challenges Summitt faced, both professionally and personally. Viewers are taken through her upbringing, where the grit and determination that would define her career were forged amid the hard work of a Tennessee dairy farm. The film also addresses her public battle with Alzheimer’s, a diagnosis she received in 2011 and faced with characteristic courage. Summitt died in 2016 at the age of 64, but her legacy as a trailblazer continues to inspire.
"Breaking Glass: The Pat Summitt Story" is a collaboration between Rock’n Robin Productions, Trilogy Films, and Tribeca Studios for ABC News Studios. Dawn Porter, whose previous work includes the acclaimed "Power of the Dream" documentary on the WNBA, brings her signature approach to the project—melding cultural insight, political clarity, and cinematic storytelling. Trilogy Films, under Porter’s leadership, has built a reputation for character-driven documentaries that shine a light on overlooked stories and amplify voices too often left out of the mainstream narrative. Tribeca Studios, part of the larger Tribeca Enterprises founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, brings its own storied history in film and storytelling to the project.
ABC News Studios, the production house behind the documentary, is no stranger to compelling, culturally significant projects. Their portfolio includes titles like "Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields," "BRATS," and the Emmy-winning "Patrice: The Movie." With "Breaking Glass," they continue their mission to champion untold and authentic stories that drive the cultural zeitgeist.
The film’s trailer, which aired on "Good Morning America," offers a glimpse into the depth and intimacy of the storytelling. It features sit-down interviews with Summitt’s family and closest colleagues—Tyler, Holly Warlick, and Mickie DeMoss—alongside legends like Tamika Catchings, Dawn Staley, Peyton Manning, and Billie Jean King. The documentary is as much about the impact Summitt had on others as it is about her own journey. As ESPN notes, Summitt’s influence can be seen in the generations of athletes and coaches who followed in her footsteps, many of whom credit her with shaping their careers and their lives.
Summitt’s accolades are numerous and well-deserved. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. In 1984, she coached the U.S. women’s national team to its first Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles—a milestone that paved the way for future generations of female athletes. As the 2028 Summer Games prepare to return to Los Angeles, one of Summitt’s former players, Kara Lawson, is set to coach the Americans, a fitting tribute to Summitt’s enduring legacy.
The release of "Breaking Glass: The Pat Summitt Story" comes at a time when women’s sports are enjoying unprecedented visibility and support. The film serves as both a celebration of Summitt’s extraordinary achievements and a reminder of the barriers she broke along the way. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and friendship—a story that resonates far beyond the basketball court.
For fans of the Lady Vols, basketball enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of sport, this documentary offers a rare and moving look at a woman who changed the game forever. As March Madness unfolds, Pat Summitt’s story will once again inspire, reminding us all of the heights that can be reached with determination, integrity, and heart.