Box Score LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Pat Deacon Classic kicks off tonight, honoring the former women's basketball coach, who devoted 28 years to Transylvania University.

"Pat was a true pioneer in getting women's basketball started," Head Coach Greg Todd said. "When we were gonna start our first event, I felt like Pat would be really good…she had so much success, and meant so much to many women who played here."

The tournament was named after Coach Deacon three years ago. "It is very exciting," Deacon said of the honor. "I have very fond memories of every year I was there."

Deacon coached the basketball team for 16 years, but also served the university as a field hockey coach, teacher and administrator. Academics were very important to her, and she is proud of her students' success.

"Many of the studens have been outstanding in their field," she said. As basketball Coach, Deacon tried to help students develop skills that they can carry into the professional world. "I think as members of the basketball team, the players learn to work together."

While at Transylvania, Deacon made friends with the referees, coaches and students. One of the most important things she contributed was "just helping guide students," she said.

"One of the things I've taken away is that I've continued to be active," said Deacon, who plays three sports and rides a tandem bike with her husband. "Even though I'm old, I'm still plugging."

Deacon lives in Florida, but stays involved with the Transylvania community. She visited the university for the first Pat Deacon classic, and keeps up communication with her former students.

"Life's too short to just cut 'em off when they graduate," she said. "I'm a people-person; I like to stay in contact with them." She says that it's amazing how often she runs into people with ties to Transylvania, not just in Lexington but even in Florida.

"She's not been one that's just hid out in Florida," Coach Todd said. "Transylvania is a place she comes back to."

Every now and then, he gets encouraging e-mails from Deacon about both wins and losses. "She's always been behind the program. She always wants our program to be the best it can be," he said.

"It is a very special place to me," Deacon said.

Many young ladies who have played under Pat have been very successful, including Sherry Holley, who sponsors the event with her employer, Hilliard Lyons.  Holley played for Coach Deacon, and is a member of Transylvania's hall of fame.

"Sherry is a big fan and she's helped our program," Coach Todd said.

This year, Roanoke College, Midway College and Maryville College will participate in this year's tournament. The timing of the event, during winter break has allowed Coach Todd to bring in teams from father away. "We play the week after finals," Coach Todd said. "It's easier for teams to travel."

"I'm excited for the teams that are in it," Deacon said. "Coach Todd has done a great job of recruiting different teams," she said. "I hope he will continue to do that."

"Last year we joined with the boys," Coach Todd said, who participate in the Don Lane Classic starting Tuesday evening.  The Don Lane Classic, honoring the former men's basketball coach,  was established first. Coach Todd "felt like they would be paired well together."

The Transylvania women challenge Roanoke College at 2 p.m. tonight.