Limestone University to Host “Play4Kay” Basketball Games on Feb. 12

The Limestone University men’s and women’s basketball teams will take on Wingate University in a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will host the “Play4Kay” basketball games, an event dedicated to supporting the fight against women’s cancers.

The “Play4Kay” initiative was inspired by Kay Yow, the legendary N.C. State women’s basketball coach who lost her life to cancer.

In her spirit, Limestone invites all women who have battled any type of cancer to participate in a recognition ceremony during halftime of the women’s game, scheduled for approximately 5:50 p.m.

Cancer survivors who wish to be honored during the ceremony are encouraged to RSVP to Kaitlin Holman at kholman@limestone.edu by noon on Feb. 12.

Additionally, three local businesses will partner with Limestone for the event. Boston Annie’s and Kate’s Kitchen will donate 10 percent of its proceeds to “Play4Kay.” Boston Annie’s will contribute sales from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Kate’s Kitchen will donate proceeds from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Baked goods provided by Zackery’s will also be available for purchase during the game.

Exciting in-game activities include:

• Halftime “Minute to Win It” challenges with prizes
• Raffles featuring gift cards from local businesses and Limestone basketball gear

Fans are encouraged to wear pink and show their support for cancer survivors and those impacted by the disease. Those unable to attend but wishing to contribute can make a donation at https://support.kayyow.com/fundraiser/6061191.

Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. She passed away in 2009, after a 22-year on-again, off-again battle with the disease. Coach Yow fought the battle in the public arena. Her hope was to inspire others to make a difference in a fight that impacts each and every one of us.

In her 38 years as a college head coach, Coach Yow was one of only six Division I women’s basketball head coaches to achieve 700 career victories. She guided her squads to 20 of 27 NCAA Tournaments, 11 trips to the Sweet 16, and a trip to the Elite Eight and the Final Four in 1998. Yow was part of an elite group of nine Olympic coaches chosen to lead USA Basketball in the pursuit of Olympic gold. Additionally, Yow became only the third women’s basketball coach in NCAA Division I history to coach 1,000 games with one program.

The 2006-2007 season, her 32nd with the Wolfpack, may have been the most tumultuous and most rewarding. Four games into the season, Yow was forced to take a leave of absence due to the progression of her breast cancer. In all, Yow missed 16 games before making a triumphant return to the bench for a Wolfpack win over longtime rival Virginia on Jan. 26, 2007. The team fed off the emotion that Yow returned with and won 10 of their next 11 games, which included her 700th career victory and a win over No. 2 North Carolina. On Senior Night, the Reynolds Coliseum court was christened the “Kay Yow Court.” Not to be outdone, two weeks later the Wolfpack downed the then unbeaten and top-ranked Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Tournament. With fans rooting for NC State from across the country, the club earned its 11th trip to the Sweet 16.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on Dec. 3, 2007, fulfilling Yow’s vision to support advanced research, extend the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve the underserved, and unite people.