In the ‘We Back Pat’ Game, Ruby Whitehorn Excels for Tennessee Basketball
The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team is known for its legacy of excellence, and this tradition was on full display during the “We Back Pat” game. A celebration of the life and legacy of Pat Summitt, Tennessee’s legendary head coach, the event holds a special place in the hearts of Lady Vols fans. In the 2025 edition of the game, one player, in particular, stood out: Ruby Whitehorn.
Ruby Whitehorn, a standout sophomore forward for Tennessee, had already been making waves in the college basketball world, but her performance during the We Back Pat game was truly remarkable. On a day where the Lady Vols honored the legendary Pat Summitt—who passed away in 2016 after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease—Ruby took it upon herself to embody the spirit of Summitt’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and toughness. Whitehorn’s performance helped the Lady Vols secure an important win and delivered a powerful tribute to Summitt’s enduring influence on the program.
This article delves into Ruby Whitehorn’s remarkable performance during the We Back Pat game, the significance of the event, and how Whitehorn’s leadership and skills are shaping the future of Tennessee basketball. Her growth as a player and her connection to the program’s history make her a key figure in the Lady Vols’ pursuit of greatness in the 2025 season.
A Legacy Remembered: The “We Back Pat” Game
The We Back Pat game is not just a game—it is a celebration of the life and contributions of Pat Summitt, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball coaches in history. During her time at Tennessee, Summitt won 1,098 games, the most in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history at the time of her retirement. Her impact transcended basketball, as she also became a trailblazer for women’s sports and an advocate for those battling Alzheimer’s.
Each year, the We Back Pat game serves as an opportunity to remember Summitt’s achievements while honoring her commitment to the Lady Vols program and her fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Tennessee players, coaches, and fans come together to celebrate Summitt’s legacy, while also continuing her work by raising awareness for Alzheimer’s research. It’s a day of reflection, remembrance, and determination.
For current Lady Vols players like Ruby Whitehorn, the We Back Pat game offers a chance to play for something much larger than themselves. It is a reminder of the high standards set by Summitt and a way to pay tribute to the woman who helped make Tennessee basketball a powerhouse.
Ruby Whitehorn’s Breakout Performance
In the 2025 We Back Pat game, Ruby Whitehorn took the spotlight and delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The game against a tough opponent was a critical one for the Lady Vols, and Whitehorn stepped up when it mattered most. She finished the game with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading Tennessee to a 79-67 victory. But it wasn’t just her scoring ability that made the difference—it was her all-around play, leadership, and poise in crucial moments.
From the opening tip, Whitehorn was locked in. Her aggressive style of play was on full display, as she scored early and often, driving to the basket with confidence and hitting key jumpers. But what stood out most was her leadership. In the second half, with the game on the line and the tension rising, Whitehorn took charge, making several clutch plays that not only kept the Lady Vols ahead but helped seal the victory.
Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways was evident. Whitehorn’s defense, often overlooked, was suffocating—she contested shots, made timely steals, and was relentless on the boards. Her 12 rebounds were crucial in Tennessee’s victory, as they allowed the Lady Vols to maintain control of the game and prevent any comeback attempts from the opposition.
Her performance was a statement. Whitehorn wasn’t just playing for herself—she was playing for the legacy of Pat Summitt, the woman whose standards she and her teammates strive to uphold every time they step on the court. For Whitehorn, the We Back Pat game was a chance to show just how much she had grown as a player and how ready she was to lead her team.
The Rise of Ruby Whitehorn: A Player on the Verge of Greatness
Ruby Whitehorn’s journey to stardom at Tennessee began long before the 2025 We Back Pat game. The former top-ranked recruit out of Memphis, Tennessee, arrived at the University of Tennessee with high expectations. However, it wasn’t just her skill on the basketball court that made her an exciting prospect—it was her mentality. Whitehorn possessed the same relentless work ethic and leadership qualities that defined Pat Summitt during her illustrious career.
As a freshman, Whitehorn showed flashes of brilliance, but like all young players, she had areas to improve. Her offensive game needed polish, and her defense was at times inconsistent. However, it was clear from the start that she had the raw talent and basketball IQ to become one of the best players in the country. Throughout her freshman year, she worked tirelessly with coaches to refine her game. She spent hours in the gym, improving her shooting, honing her footwork, and building her confidence as a leader.
By her sophomore year, Whitehorn had fully transformed into one of the premier players in women’s college basketball. Her scoring was more efficient, her defense was stifling, and she had become a true leader on the floor. The We Back Pat game served as a perfect example of the maturity and skill Whitehorn had developed during her time at Tennessee. Her performance was the culmination of years of hard work, and it demonstrated that she was ready to carry the torch for the Lady Vols.
For head coach Kellie Harper, Whitehorn’s development has been a point of pride. Harper, who took over the Lady Vols program in 2019, has been instrumental in continuing the legacy of Pat Summitt while also helping a new generation of players like Ruby Whitehorn grow into stars.
“Ruby has been one of the hardest workers we have in our program. From day one, she’s been all about improving and being the best teammate she can be. She understands the responsibility of wearing that Tennessee jersey and playing for Pat Summitt’s legacy. She’s not only a great player, but she’s a great person. And today, in the We Back Pat game, she showed just how much she’s capable of.”
Harper’s praise for Whitehorn speaks to the enormous potential the sophomore has. The We Back Pat game was just one of many instances where Whitehorn has demonstrated her ability to perform on the big stage, and her growth as a player signals an exciting future for Tennessee basketball.
The Significance of the We Back Pat Game
While Ruby Whitehorn’s performance was the highlight of the 2025 We Back Pat game, the event was more than just about the individual players—it was about the community coming together to honor Pat Summitt’s incredible legacy. Each year, the Lady Vols wear special jerseys to commemorate the event, and fans in the stands and watching from home wear their “We Back Pat” gear to show their support for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
The game is also a reminder of the lessons that Pat Summitt imparted to her players throughout her tenure. Summitt’s leadership was rooted in discipline, accountability, and a relentless drive for success. She instilled in her players the importance of working together as a team, playing with heart, and striving for greatness every day. These lessons are still evident in the Lady Vols’ program, and Ruby Whitehorn is a prime example of that.
“Playing in the We Back Pat game is so much more than just a basketball game. It’s an opportunity to honor Coach Summitt’s legacy and everything she built here at Tennessee. She set a standard for excellence that we’re all committed to living up to. This is her program, and we’re just trying to continue what she started,” Whitehorn said after the game.
The We Back Pat game is a special occasion for Tennessee fans, but for players like Whitehorn, it’s a chance to reflect on the impact Summitt had on their lives and their careers. For Ruby, the game wasn’t just about basketball—it was about honoring the woman who paved the way for her and countless other players to succeed.
The Future of Tennessee Basketball
Ruby Whitehorn’s performance in the We Back Pat game is just the beginning of what could be a standout career at Tennessee. With her leadership, skill set, and determination, Whitehorn is positioned to become one of the best players in the nation. As the Lady Vols continue their pursuit of championships in the coming seasons, Ruby will undoubtedly play a central role in that quest.
In many ways, Whitehorn is the perfect representative of the Tennessee basketball program. Her work ethic, her toughness, and her unrelenting drive to succeed reflect the legacy of Pat Summitt, and it’s clear that she is ready to carry that torch forward. As she continues to develop her game and lead her team, Ruby Whitehorn’s name will be etched in the history of Tennessee basketball, and the We Back Pat game will always stand as a reminder of the pivotal role she played in that journey.
Conclusion
In the 2025 We Back Pat game, Ruby Whitehorn not only honored the legacy of Pat Summitt but also delivered a performance that highlighted her incredible potential as one of the top players in women’s college basketball. Her 28-point, 12-rebound performance was a fitting tribute to the program that Summitt built, and it was a testament to Whitehorn’s growth and leadership. As Tennessee basketball moves forward, it is clear that Ruby Whitehorn will play a key role in continuing the Lady Vols’ tradition of excellence, both on and off the court. The future is bright for Tennessee basketball, and Ruby Whitehorn is ready to lead the charge.