Kay Yow
Kay Yow
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Kay Yow was born Josephine "Kay" Yow on January 14, 1942. She is commonly known as Coach Kay Yow.
Birth and Death Dates
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January 14, 1942 - August 24, 2009
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American; Basketball Player, Coach, and Administrator
Early Life and Background
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Kay Yow grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her love for sports began at an early age, and she played multiple sports throughout her school years. After graduating from Smith High School in 1960, she attended Duke University on a basketball scholarship. She was the first woman to earn a varsity letter in basketball at Duke.
Yow's coaching career started as an assistant coach at East Carolina University (ECU) in 1971. In 1975, she became the head women's basketball coach at North Carolina State University (NCSU), where she would go on to spend 34 seasons.
Major Accomplishments
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- Won over 750 games and earned a .923 winning percentage as a head coach.
- Led NCSU to three ACC championships, two Final Four appearances, and the 1998 NCAA championship title.
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to her coaching accomplishments, Yow was an advocate for women's basketball. She played a crucial role in the formation of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and served as its first president from 1981-82. Her contributions led to increased recognition and support for women's basketball programs nationwide.
Impact and Legacy
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Kay Yow's impact on women's basketball extends far beyond her impressive coaching record. She paved the way for future generations of female coaches, influencing countless athletes and inspiring a new wave of professionals in the field.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Coach Kay Yow is widely quoted and remembered for her dedication to the sport she loved and her commitment to mentoring others. Her unwavering passion, perseverance, and leadership have left an indelible mark on women's basketball.
Quotes by Kay Yow
This is a mind over matter thing. We have to find it within ourselves to play for two hours. We love the game, so it’s not like we’re doing something we hate. We’re doing something we love.
I feel like I had zero control over getting cancer, but I have 100 percent control over how I will respond to dealing with cancer.
This is a mind over matter thing. We have to find it within ourselves to play for two hours. We love the game, so it's not like we're doing something we hate. We're doing something we love.
I'm just really proud of my team the way they hung in there down the stretch. They had some tough possessions there. They had to make some really good decisions and I thought they did a really good job.