Kay Yow Cancer Fund Announces 2025-26 Servant Leader Class; Taft's Faith Wilson Represents 3C2A
Raleigh, NC (November 3, 2025) – The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is proud to announce the Class of 2025-26 Servant Leader Award honorees, recognizing women's basketball student-athletes from across all NCAA divisions, NJCAA, and JUCO programs who exemplify leadership, selflessness, and service in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
In just its second year, the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award has more than doubled in size, growing from 26 honorees in its inaugural class to 65 this season — a reflection of the program's expanding reach and impact across the sport. This year marks a significant milestone as the Fund celebrates its first NJCAA Servant Leader Award winner, further broadening the opportunity to honor servant leadership at every level of women's college basketball.
Each honoree represents the values that Coach Kay Yow embodied — courage, compassion, integrity, and a commitment to putting others first.
The 2025-26 Servant Leader Class will be celebrated during a special event at the end of the season, where for the first time the Fund will also name a Servant Leader of the Year. This new recognition will honor one student-athlete whose impact and leadership stand out among this year's honorees.
"The momentum of this program in just two years is incredible," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "These young women are living out Coach Yow's legacy every day. From leading service projects and raising awareness about cancer, to mentoring teammates and inspiring their communities, they show us what it means to lead with a servant's heart. We are thrilled to honor the Class of 2025-26 athletes and to welcome NJCAA athletes into this growing program."
"This award means so much because it represents something bigger than basketball," said Mary Kate Kent, Newberry College, a member of the Class of 2025-26. "Giving back to my community and serving with leadership and care are very important to me. This recognition is a reminder that what we do off the court is even bigger than what we do on it. I will continue to strive to live out the values this award represents."
Honorees are recognized with a special Servant Leader patch worn on their game jerseys, symbolizing their commitment to service and their connection to Coach Yow's enduring legacy.
This year's honorees represent 23 conferences across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, as well as the NJCAA and JUCO levels. From nationally recognized players to standout leaders at programs of every size, each Servant Leader demonstrates that leadership and service transcend level of play.
When asked about winning the award, UConn standout Sarah Strong said, "It's an honor to be named a Kay Yow Servant Leader and represent Coach Yow's legacy. She was an inspiration for her impact on the basketball court and in her fight against breast cancer. I'm looking forward to honoring her memory and having an impact in my community at UConn."
Members of the Class of 2025-26 are making an impact well beyond the basketball court. Some have launched community initiatives to support cancer patients and their families, while others are mentoring young girls in sport or raising funds for research in honor of loved ones. Many are using their platform as athletes to bring attention to underserved communities in need of better access to cancer care. Collectively, they represent the spirit of service and leadership that defined Coach Yow's life and legacy.
View the full list of 2025-26 Servant Leader Award honorees.
About the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors student-athletes of great character who put the needs of others before their own, uplifting teammates and communities with humility and grace. The award recognizes those who embody Coach Yow's spirit of servant leadership, inspiring others to live with courage, purpose, and compassion. Learn more at kayyow.com/about/servant-leader
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, underserved programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare, and uniting people in the fight against all cancers affecting women. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded nearly $10 million in