Kay Yow Cancer Fund Announces 2025 National Play4Kay Award Winners
Raleigh, NC (April 4, 2025) – The Kay Yow Cancer Fund announces its 2025 National Play4Kay award winners today. Play4Kay is the Fund’s largest fundraising initiative with events hosted in all 50 states. Through the nationwide support of participating Play4Kay teams, coaches, fans, officials, and communities, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund continues to make a significant impact and has awarded $8.78M in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
The Fund will honor the following schools and communities for raising the most money in their respective divisions at the Wow4Yow celebration event in Tampa, Florida at the Women’s Basketball Final Four.
Division I (BCS): Illinois State University (Bloomington-Normal, IL)
Division I (Non-BCS): Illinois State University (Bloomington-Normal, IL)
Illinois State continues to set the standard for what it means to rally a community with purpose, earning both the DI BCS and Non-BCS Play4Kay awards once again. The Redbird community’s passion and consistency in supporting the fight against all cancers affecting women is nothing short of remarkable. Hosting a Play4Kay game has become a powerful tradition at ISU-one that has now earned them the Non-BCS award for an incredible ten consecutive years. Their dedication is proof that when a community unites, hope grows stronger and impact multiplies.
“Having played for Coach Yow and been a part of her staff in the final years of her life, I know how much the Play4Kay campaigns mean to so many in a broad sense. Our department, University, community, fundraising captains and sponsors continue to amaze me with their support. As Play4Kay becomes bigger each year, I know we are all a part of carrying out Coach Yow’s vision, and for that, I am grateful.” — Kristen Gillespie, Head Coach, Illinois State University
Division II: Anderson University (Anderson, SC)
Anderson University continues to lead with heart and purpose, earning the National Division II Play4Kay award once again through the South Atlantic Conference initiative. With six wins in the last seven years, Anderson’s commitment runs deep-Play4Kay isn’t just an event on their calendar, it’s a movement woven into the fabric of their community. Their sustained impact is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
“When it comes to supporting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, it’s a no-brainer for our University and our Community to step up. Across our campus, we understand that this is an ongoing battle that we want to help fight against. Along with the support of Spero Financial, the city of Anderson and its business owners have stepped right in to support us in that charge. We are grateful for their contributions, and we have hope that one day we will defeat this awful disease.” — Jonathon Barbaree, Head Coach, Anderson University
Division III: Moravian University (Bethlehem, PA)
For the 17th consecutive year, Moravian University has earned the National Play4Kay Division III award – an extraordinary legacy of commitment and compassion. This year, that commitment took on even greater meaning as the team and community rallied around their head coach during her cancer diagnosis and leave of absence. At Moravian, Play4Kay is about more than basketball-it’s about standing together in the face of adversity, lifting one another up, and carrying foward a message of hope. Their strength is a reflection of what it truly means to be louder, stronger, and unstoppable together.
“Winning this award for the 17th consecutive year is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our team, supporters, and the mission of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. This year, our work carries even greater meaning, reminding us all why this fight is so important. Cancer affects far too many lives, and we remain dedicated to making a difference, honoring those who face this battle every day. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting this cause and for the incredible generosity of everyone who makes this possible.” — Mary Beth Spirk, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, Moravian University
NAIA: Keiser University (West Palm Beach, FL)
Keiser University wins their first National Play4Kay NAIA award signifying their commitment to making a difference in the fight against all cancers affecting women. A united community remains at the forefront of their unwavering efforts.
Junior College/Community College: Bakersfield College (Bakersfield, CA)
Bakersfield College is a first time winner of the National JUCO Play4Kay award, they follow in the footsteps of six time winner and fellow opponent in the CCCAA, Romeo Lagmey from Taft College. Bakersfield and Taft led the activation in the CCCAA this year as they rallied to unite 25+ schools in their league to join the Play4Kay movement and fight together for a common cause. Bakersfield College embodies the sentiment that we truly are louder, stronger, and unstoppable together!
“To see our Bakersfield community, along with former and current players and coaches, get behind such an amazing cause, was truly inspiring. We are grateful to play a small part in supporting the mission of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund to help fight against all cancers affecting women.” – Grant Bingham, Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Bakersfield College
Nationwide K-12: Broughton High School (Raleigh, NC)
NC-Based K-12: Broughton High School (Raleigh, NC)
A teacher and her students galvanize the local community through an experiential learning project culminating in Play4Kay. For the last eight years, this project continues to be a source of pride for the students as they learn real-world skills and impact cancer survivors and thrivers in their community.
“Broughton’s Play4Kay event started as an honors class project for my Sport & Event Marketing II class that allows students to gain practical marketing experience while “doing our curriculum” and raise money for a great cause in the process. I am so proud of my students and their commitment each year. The students plan all aspects of our event as they attempt to raise more money than the SEM class the year before. We are extremely grateful for the incredible support we receive from our BHS and local community. In the past three years, we are proud to have donated over $70,000 to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and over $100,000 in our 8-year involvement. The Fund is such an integral part of our own local community in NC yet benefits people everywhere. Broughton High School is proud to be a small part in helping make a difference in the fight against all cancers affecting women.” – Ms. Patterson, Broughton High School teacher
Thanks to the work of the award winners above and all participants of Play4Kay, we are making a difference in the fight against all cancers affecting women – turning awareness into action through research and programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare for under-resourced women.
“Congratulations to the 2025 Play4Kay winners! Coach Yow would be so proud of the impact this grassroots movement continues to make, said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. “Play4Kay is more than a game – it’s a testament to the strength and heart of the women’s basketball community. We’re deeply grateful to every team that participated this season. Because of your commitment, $8.78 million has been awarded in the fight against all cancers affecting women. Your support continues to carry forward Coach Yow’s vision and reminds us that we are louder, stronger, and unstoppable together.”
About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization’s namesake, Kay Yow, former NC State University head women’s basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to raising money for life-saving cancer research, and underserved programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare, and unite people in the fight against all cancers affecting women. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $8.78 million in the fight against all cancers affecting women. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, or to donate, please visit KayYow.com.