I never really followed the women's basketball team growing up, but Yow was always a prominent figure for the Wolfpack nation and I could tell what she meant to the university. The first time I really remember seeing her as a coach was when she lead the team to the 1998 Final Four. The men's team hadn't been to the tournament since I'd been old enough to care about basketball at this point, so it was awesome getting to see the Pack do well on a national level in this way.
I learned more about Yow as I got older, and really felt how much of an inspiration she was when I became a student at NC State. Her face was present throughout the school, and the story of her constant battle with breast cancer was well-known to all. This battle never brought her spirits down, and she was always a presence on the court, as well as a strong activist for the Jimmy V Foundation to raise awareness and find a cure for cancer.
Kay Yow was a great basketball coach but an even better hero. While battling cancer, she became the example of how we should embrace life no matter what cards we are dealt. Her efforts on the court were strong (700+ wins), but her support to cancer research and the Jimmy V Foundation off the court was even stronger. Her legacy will be remembered through the game and through future advances in cancer medicine and treatment, and she'll always be a reminder to never, never give up.
Thanks for everything, Coach Yow.
1 comment:
A very nice tribute. She was a great lady.
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