Nc State Women's Basketball Coach Kay Yow
Kay Yow was a legendary women's basketball coach who led the NC State Wolfpack for over 34 years. She was not only a successful coach, but also a pioneer for women's athletics and a role model for many young women.
Early Life and Education
Kay Yow was born on March 14, 1942, in Gibsonville, North Carolina. She was the third of four children and grew up on a farm. Her father was a tobacco farmer, and her mother was a homemaker. Yow attended East Carolina University, where she played basketball and earned a degree in English and physical education. She later earned a master's degree in physical education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Coaching Career
Yow began her coaching career in 1964 as a high school basketball coach. In 1975, she was hired as the head coach of the NC State women's basketball team. She would go on to coach the Wolfpack for 34 years, becoming one of the most successful coaches in women's basketball history.
During her tenure at NC State, Yow led the Wolfpack to 20 NCAA tournament appearances, one Final Four appearance, and four ACC tournament championships. She also coached the U.S. women's basketball team to a gold medal in the 1988 Olympics.
Impact on Women's Athletics
Kay Yow was not only a successful coach but also a pioneer for women's athletics. She was a strong advocate for gender equality and helped to pave the way for future generations of female athletes. Yow was a founding member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and served as its president from 1981 to 1983.
In 2007, Yow was diagnosed with breast cancer. She continued to coach the Wolfpack while undergoing treatment and even coached the U.S. women's basketball team in the 2008 Olympics. Yow passed away on January 24, 2009, at the age of 66.
Legacy
Kay Yow's legacy lives on through the many lives she touched as a coach, mentor, and advocate for women's athletics. She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. In her honor, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund was established to raise money for cancer research and to support those affected by the disease.
Yow's impact on women's athletics and her dedication to her team and her players will never be forgotten. She was a true inspiration and a legend in the world of sports.
Conclusion
Kay Yow was a trailblazer in women's athletics and a true legend in the world of sports. Her impact on the game of basketball and on gender equality will never be forgotten. She was a coach, a mentor, and a role model to many, and her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched. Kay Yow will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches and advocates for women's athletics of all time.