Sandra Kay Yow

Coach Kay Yow (http://www.hrsinformer.com)

"If you evaluate yourself as a coach just on wins and losses, it makes everything superficial. There's a much deeper side to life."(Sandra Kay Yow) Coach Kay Yow was born March 14, 1942 in Gibsonville, North Carolina, and grew up playing basketball year round. She grew up with three other sisters all playing basketball later in their career. Sandra Yow first started her coaching career at Gibsonville High School, then Allen Jay High before starting at North Carolina State University. Her attitude toward basketball set a great example of work ethic and passion for the game. Coach Kay was unselfish and classy as a coach and a person. Her belief in God, her foundation, her willingness and determination as a coach while battling stage four breast cancer all contributed to the reason she lived and died as a hero.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (http://hollywoodbackwash.com)

Coach Kay Yow knew that her walk through life centered around the principles of the Bible. "Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." (Psalm 46:10) She believed that there is only one true God bringing us together, and that we should put our trust in His hands and just live. She went through life like Joshua, and clung to God's command and promise: "...Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) Coach Yow always trusted that God had a purpose for whatever came into her life. Her life was based on walking with God and she knew that whenever it was time to go, it was time.

When Coach Kay received her diagnosis, she didn't let that stop her from living her life. She strove instead to beat it. She did this with the idea of starting a foundation. "Kay established a cancer-research fund under her name. Let's fight this disease with energy, bravery and grace." (Pat Summit "Kay Yow") Spoken like a true hero! Kay and a fellow friend, Jimmy V, put a foundation together to help with research to fight against breast cancer. Her foundation wanted to make a difference and give hope to many that had lost it through their experience with cancer. "Kay wanted to help others with their battles, even though she was fighting one of her own." (Pat Summit "Kay Yow") Kay Yow treated her cancer, methodically tackling it like an opponent. Even when going through chemotherapy and the medication, she made time to step in others' shoes to help with the healing process.

Coach Kay worked hard in her basketball life, winning multiple awards from the Hall of Fame to a gold medal in the Olympics. "A member of the Woman's Hall of Fame," (Nolan, Timothy) Sandra Yow won 737 games over thirty-eight years. She built a phenomenal program throughout her coaching years. "She has won four ACC championships" and "coached the USA team to a gold medal performance in the 1988 Olympics." (Nolan, Timothy) Her teams weren't the most talented, but they worked hard and had dedication. Coach Kay's teams were always the underdogs rising to the challenge.

Coach Yow was very close to her team. (http://blog.pennlive.com.jpg)

This hero battled cancer while coaching a college team, never letting the cancer keep her from living her life or coaching her Wolfpack. She would be physically drained and still make it to games. She helped her players develop many qualities, including self-control, self-confidence, perseverance, and goal-orientedness (Sandra Kay Yow). She had lessons to teach not only her players and students, but her fans. No matter who the person was she was coaching, she had a set goal to teach to all. "When life kicks you, let it kick you forward. Don't wallow in self-pity, you'll drown. Just swish your feet a little and get out! We have little or no control over what happens to us in life, but we have 100% control over how we will." (Sandra Kay Yow) Coach Yow swished her feet, not worrying about her life and knowing that God was there for her. Her life has taught many to live and never worry about anything no matter how big or how small.