Kay Yow dies at 66

Hall of Fame women's basketball coach, Kay Yow who coached the Lady North Carolina State Wolfpack, died of breast cancer Saturday, January 24 at the age of 66. Kay was an inspiration to everyone she touched and a pillar in her community. She was diagnosis with cancer in 1987 then again in 2004 and 2006. After 34 seasons as the coach for The Lady Wolfpack, she managed to win 737 games,won four Atlantic Coast Conference titles,was invited to 20 NCAA tournaments, made it to 11 sweet 16 appearance's and took her team to their first Final Four appearance in 1998. Among those accomplishments she lead the 1988 Olympic women's basketball team to a gold medal in Seoul, Korea. For her achievements, Kay Yow was inducted to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2002; and in 2007 after being out, because of her illness North Caroline State dedicated Reynolds Coliseum in her name. Even though she had a long battle with cancer, Kay never gave in. Her faith in the lord is what kept her going through it all. Kay also became a partner with the V Foundation by establishing the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. The V Foundation was named after the late Vinny Valvano, who coached the North Carolina State men's basketball team who also died from cancer. Kay stated that "cancer was a burden, but also a blessing which allowed her to touch and inspire so many people. Every morning, I wake up and the first thing I think of is I'm thankful. I'm thankful for another day." Many of her colleague's, players, students and those who did not get the chance to meet this great women, but was able to witness what she meant and gave to the game of basketball and life. The world of women's basketball as we know it will sorely miss a great pioneer.