Loss of a Legend

The death of women's basketball coach Kay Yow on Saturday made news across the nation, a tribute to the range of her influence, both as a trailblazing coach and as a courageous activist in the battle against breast cancer.

Kay Yow Services Set

Dozens of flowers and memorials were placed at the Belltower this week in memory of Kay Yow. A public viewing will be held on Friday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the funeral to follow at 3 p.m. at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary.

The Chronicle of Higher Education noted, "Ms. Yow's coaching career was legendary not just for its achievements - the 29 winning seasons, the gold medal, the 20 NCAA tournament appearances, the 1998 Final Four - but also for its reflection of the growth of women's sports. Her career spanned a time of extraordinary change in women's college basketball, from humble beginnings to its current status as an enormously popular sport with a professional league and sellout crowds at its NCAA tournaments."

CNN reported that she was one of just six coaches in women's basketball to win 700 games.

Other media reports:

Fan Nation: The Kay Yow Movement

New York Times Quad Blog: Kay Yow's Legacy

ESPN Video: Remembering Kay Yow

Newsday: Kay Yow Remembered for Coaching Career, Courage

NCAA News: Loss of a Legend

Yow's passing was also reported by the Associated Press, the News & Observer, the Baltimore Sun, the Denver Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, Fox News, Forbes, USA Today and the International Herald Tribune, among many others.

On campus, the NC State community celebrated Yow's life and spirit Wedneday at Reynolds Coliseum. The hour-long tribute began before a hushed crowd, as each member of the women's basketball program entered the coliseum to lay a rose on a single, spotlit chair draped with Yow's #14. Read more. 

Gopack.com, the Wolfpack's Web site, features tributes to Yow and sells tickets to the Feb. 15 Hoops 4 Hope game versus Virginia, which will raise funds for the Kay Yow WBCA Cancer Fund.