Sometimes someone emerges who transcends sport, gender, race, region or institution, a singular person capable of inspiring all of us, in all walks of life. Over the past few years, longtime NC State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow has become such a person, and the secret of what an incredible person she is has been shared on a national stage.
One could argue that Yow has been one of the five most influential leaders not only for women’s basketball, but in women’s sports as a whole. Yet it is her long fight with breast cancer that has truly catapulted her onto the national stage.
That spotlight burns even hotter this week, thanks to the news that Yow is stepping down as coach of the Wolfpack Women for the remainder of the season. She had missed four straight games while dealing with low energy levels that come along with battling Stage IV breast cancer. The 66-year-old, in consultation with her doctor, agreed that it was time to focus on monitoring her health instead of enduring the trying, emotional, energy-draining task of running a major Division I-A athletics program.
There are many close to the situation who believe that coaching is what is keeping Yow alive these days, which makes the decision that much more serious and emotional. The hope is that she’ll be able to attend a game or two every now and again to let her players — who view her often as a mother or even a grandmother — know that she is still there, still fighting, still hoping, still trying, still invested.
Yow is undoubtedly and unquestionably an inspiration and a role model, regardless of whether you’re white, black or green, man or woman, or what your school affiliation may be. If you’re so inclined, check out the important work being done by the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund and consider making a donation. Or even drop Coach a line to let her know that you’re thinking of her and her all-important fight.
These days, you won’t come across many more worthy of your thoughts and wishes.
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