Dan Fleser

dan.fleser@knoxnews.com

Angel Elderkin initially didn't want to go public this summer with the news that she had been diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

The Appalachian State women's basketball coach, a former video coordinator at Tennessee, preferred to surround herself with an inner circle of supporters. But then the treatments cost Elderkin her hair and others began to ask questions. So she wrote an open letter about her circumstances, which was released through the university's sports information office. As she widened the circle, Elderkin still felt as if she could pull the encouragement close and wrap herself tightly with it.

"All sorts of people have reached out," she said. "It's like a blanket. It's comforting."

Some prominent members of Elderkin's support group will be on the opposite bench Wednesday when App State (4-5) plays Tennessee (4-4) at 7 p.m. EST at Thompson-Boling Arena (Radio: Lady Vols network, Live streaming: SECN+).

Elderkin came to UT as a graduate assistant in 2005. She became video coordinator for the 2006-07 national championship season. She was praised by then-Tennessee coach Pat Summitt for her efficiency in gathering and storing game video. Lady Vols assistant coach Dean Lockwood referred to Elderkin as an "MVP" for her ability to secure video of opponents during the NCAA tournament.

Every year, Lockwood shares with Elderkin the licorice candy he receives from someone in his home state of Michigan. The only difference this year was Lockwood texted beforehand to make sure Elderkin still could partake.

Since Elderkin's hometown is East Providence, R.I. and she graduated from South Maine, UT coach Holly Warlick sent her a "Boston Strong" sweatshirt this summer.

Elderkin said she developed much of her coaching philosophy while at Tennessee. Her health is teaching her even more about the value of mental toughness.

"As coaches we preach that," she said. "I've been preaching it for 17 years and I truly didn't know what it was until I went through this."

Elderkin, 39, said her diagnosis was uncommon for someone her age. She originally went in for surgery to remove a cyst and came out having undergone a full hysterectomy. She then underwent radiation treatments and chemotherapy. She's had access to the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina, thanks to North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell. She overcame acute myeloid leukemia.

"Last week, I started turning the corner," Elderkin said. "The farther I get from the last treatment, the better."

Coaching has served as therapy for her. Any suggestion involving a leave of absence was swatted away like a shot block.

"I need to be doing this," she said. "It makes me feel like I don't have cancer."

Elderkin said she's tried to avoid talking about herself with her team, which has lost three players to knee injuries. She made an exception, though, after a tough 57-54 loss to Radford on Dec. 4.

"I tried to explain to them the other day, trying to change this victim mind-set," she said. "You have to be a fighter. That's the one time I've tried to reference it. I'm trying to get them to fight for each other."

To close ranks and form their own circle.

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