Born: 1942 (Gibsonville, North Carolina)
Died: 2009
Biography:
Sandra Kay Yow, more commonly known as Kay Yow, was an influential American basketball coach who made a lasting impact on the sport during her career. Born on March 14, 1942, in Gibsonville, North Carolina, Yow grew up with a passion for basketball and would later become a trailblazer for women’s sports.
Yow pursued her education at East Carolina University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English in 1964. During her time at East Carolina, she was an active member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. After graduating, Yow began her professional life as an English teacher, librarian, and girls’ basketball coach at Allen Jay High School in High Point, North Carolina.
In her quest to further enhance her knowledge and skills in the field of sports, Yow went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Physical Education from UNC-Greensboro in 1970. Armed with her educational achievements, Yow embarked on a new chapter in her career as the women’s athletics coordinator and women’s basketball coach at Elon College.
In 1975, Yow made history by becoming the first full-time women’s basketball coach at North Carolina State University (NC State). She not only led the women’s basketball team but also coached women’s volleyball and softball. Under her guidance, the women’s basketball team achieved great success, capturing an ACC championship in the inaugural season of league play in 1978.
Throughout her coaching career, Yow’s dedication and passion for the game were evident. She reached significant milestones, including her 600th career win on January 11, 2001, in a game against Temple University. Later, on February 5, 2007, she achieved her 700th career win with a victory over Florida State University. At the time of her death, Yow stood as the fifth winningest active NCAA Division I women’s basketball coach.
Yow’s coaching prowess and accomplishments did not go unnoticed. She garnered several prestigious accolades, such as her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, becoming the fifth female coach to receive this honor.
In July 2007, Yow received the inaugural Jimmy V ESPY Award for Perseverance, which was named after her close friend and fellow NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano. This award recognized her unwavering dedication and spirit in the face of personal challenges.
Notably, Yow also made her mark on the international stage as she coached the silver medal-winning U.S. women’s basketball team at the 1981 World University Games and the gold-winning U.S. teams at the 1986 Goodwill Games and FIBA World Championship. However, her most remarkable achievement came in 1988 when she led the U.S. women’s basketball team to an Olympic gold medal in Seoul, making her an integral part of American Olympic history.
Yow’s impact extended beyond the court. In recognition of her outstanding character, CollegeInsider.com established the Kay Yow National Coach of the Year Award in April 2010. This award is presented annually to a women’s college basketball head coach who exemplifies remarkable personal character both on and off the court, a testament to Yow’s legacy as a role model and mentor.
Despite her tremendous success, Yow experienced her fair share of challenges. In 1987, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, she refused to let this setback define her. Yow bravely battled the disease while continuing her coaching career, inspiring countless individuals with her resilience and determination.
Kay Yow’s legacy in women’s basketball is marked by her unwavering commitment, monumental achievements, and profound influence on the game. Her contributions to the sport, both on and off the court, solidified her place in history as one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002
– Received the Jimmy V ESPY Award for Perseverance in 2007
– Inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2009
– Honored with the establishment of the Kay Yow National Coach of the Year Award in 2010