NC State's Kay Yow Passes Away

Jan. 24, 2009

CORAL GABLES – One of the most beloved figures in NC State history and one of the most respected coaches in the nation, Women’s Basketball Coach Kay Yow, died peacefully this morning after a long, heroic battle with breast cancer.

Yow, 66, had been supported by her family and her staff in the last several days and was even able to visit with her entire team at WakeMed Cary Hospital earlier this week.

University of Miami women’s basketball coach Katie Meier on the beloved Yow:

“The sadness that everyone is feeling right now is from the void that is now in our lives. Kay Yow touched everyone that met her and millions that never had the opportunity. Her indomitable spirit and courage was an inspiration to all the people and families that have fought breast cancer. This classy and joyful woman is what coaches across the country try to model ourselves after. Her faith and dignity is what we try to instill into our student-athletes everyday. I have been truly blessed to have shared part of my life and memories with this beautiful woman.”

Yow, who was in her 38th year of coaching, will be remembered for the hundreds and thousands of lives she touched through basketball and through her tireless efforts to fight cancer.