Randy Smith: Daedra Charles: A Classic Lady Vol

The University of Tennessee has lost another wonderful former athlete. Daedra Charles Furlow passed away earlier this week at the age of 49. She was a two-time national champion, a former Olympian, and a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. That's quite a resume but what else would you expect from someone who played for legendary Coach Pat Summitt. Charles-Furlow scored 1,495 points and was one of only six former Lady Vols to have her jersey retired.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and she spent several years on Coach Summitt's staff, becoming the Lady Vols Director of Character Development. She stayed in that position until Coach Summitt stepped down in 2012. 

In 2006 ESPN named her as one of the top 25 players of all-time in women's basketball. Current Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick echoed that sentiment this week. " She was one of the best players who ever played here. She was big and mobile. She was a terror inside. Regardless of that she had a tremendous love for this program. Everybody loved her."

Things didn't start out that well for Daedra Charles. She had to sit our her freshman year with the Lady Vols because she was a Prop 48 student. In other words, her academics needed work. At the time, the Lady Vols were coming off their first National Championship in 1987. By the time she had finished her career in Knoxville, Tennessee had claimed two more crowns - one in 1989 and another in 1991. That era of Tennessee women's basketball was the beginning of the dynasty that would produce five more NCAA Championships.

She had a nickname that stuck with her throughout her career. Former Louisiana Tech Coach Leon Barmore gave her the moniker "Night Train" because of her power inside. She was that good.

Services for Daedra Charles Furlow will be held this weekend. The Detroit, Michigan native was staying with her mother in Detroit when she died a few days ago. She leaves behind her husband, Anthony Furlow, and their son, Anthonee. Now she is with her former coach Pat Summitt - the woman who turned her life around, as she did so many others. Just like her coach, Daedra Charles Furlow will always be considered a Classic Lady Vol.