ESPN reporter Holly Rowe recently shared an intriguing story about her past relationship with a bodybuilder, whom she referred to as “Mr. Switzerland.” During a talk at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, Rowe recounted a pivotal moment that ultimately led to their breakup. The incident occurred at the 2012 ESPYs, where she was deeply moved by a tribute to the legendary women’s college basketball coach Pat Summitt, who was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award shortly after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Rowe recalled, “I had a really hot boyfriend, and he was Mr. Switzerland. We dated for four years. And when I say smoking hot, the reason we broke up was at the ESPYs, Pat Summitt had just gotten this award, and I’m in the audience just bawling. He asked me, ‘What’s wrong with you? She’s just a coach.’ So we broke up. I just need you to understand I gave up Mr. Switzerland because of Pat Summitt, this is a true story.”
The 2012 ESPYs were particularly significant as they came the same year Summitt announced her retirement from coaching after a remarkable 38-year career, in which she compiled a record of 1,098 wins and 208 losses and led the Tennessee Lady Volunteers to eight national championships. Summitt passed away in June 2016 at the age of 64, leaving a profound legacy on collegiate athletics.
In addition to her national titles, Summitt received numerous accolades during her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President Barack Obama in 2012. As Rowe’s story circulated on social media, many fans expressed support for her decision to part ways with her boyfriend, with comments highlighting that she “dodged a bullet.”
Holly Warlick, who succeeded Summitt at Tennessee, served as the head coach of the Lady Volunteers from 2012-2019. Today, Kellie Harper is leading the team, with Kim Caldwell taking over for the 2024 season. The impact of Pat Summitt’s coaching and her advocacy work continue to resonate within the basketball community.