University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Full Circle: Kay Yow's Impact on UNC Asheville Women's Basketball
03.16.2025 | Women's Basketball
VIDEO
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Kay Yow's impact on women's basketball knows no bounds and continues to be felt both on and off the floor.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund continues to spread each and every day what Kay Yow was about: being a servant first while also being a selfless leader both on and off the floor.
UNC Asheville is fortunate to have two coaches on staff who played for Coach Yow at North Carolina State in Head Coach Tynesha Lewis (1997-01) and Assistant Coach Chasity Melvin (1994-98).
"I am super grateful to be a part of anything that allows me to tell the story of Coach Kay Yow and make sure the world knows the purpose of the Kay Yow Fund," said Lewis.
"I had the privilege of playing for Coach Yow," said Melvin. "She was not just a coach but a mentor and friend. She taught me the fundamentals of both the game and life. Her legacy will never be duplicated or replicated and she will forever be one of a kind."
Back in November, sixth-year forward Briauna Thompson was honored by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund as the first-ever recipient of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award. Through this award, the Kay Yow Foundation aims to recognize student-athletes who embody servant leadership. Annual award winners exemplify Coach Yow's spirit and are also servants at heart.
Thompson wore a special patch on her jersey this season as a recipient of the award.
"As a Christian and student-athlete, I am honored to receive such a prestigious award," said Thompson. "Thank you to my coaches and the Kay Yow Foundation for acknowledging me and other student athletes for our dedication, leadership and hard work."
"Briauna exemplifies resilience and quiet leadership in everything she does," said Lewis. "She has faced challenges with strength and determination, inspiring her teammates and coaches alike. It has truly been a privilege to coach someone with her dedication and character. Briauna receiving the Kay Yow Service Award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to others and to the values of the game."
As a part of pushing the fight against cancer forward and continuing to raise awareness, Lewis offered to be the first to have a mammogram when mobile mammogram units visited campus courtesy of UNC Health Pardee and Novant back in February. At the team's annual Play4Kay game on February 8, breast cancer survivors were welcomed to the court for a special recognition at halftime that included Thompson's mother Cynthia. Through the efforts of UNC Asheville Women's Basketball, a generous matching gift, and a contribution of $2,500 from ARA Health Specialists, a total of just under $4,000Â was raised toward cancer research for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
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 $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.
About Women's Athletics Presenting Partner First Bank
First Bank is the banking subsidiary of First Bancorp and is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $12.1 billion. As a state-chartered community bank, First Bank operates 113 bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina and a nationwide SBA platform. Since 1935, First Bank has taken a tailored approach to banking, combining best-in-class financial solutions, helpful local expertise, and technology to manage a home or business. First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "FBNC." Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Kay Yow's impact on women's basketball knows no bounds and continues to be felt both on and off the floor.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund continues to spread each and every day what Kay Yow was about: being a servant first while also being a selfless leader both on and off the floor.
UNC Asheville is fortunate to have two coaches on staff who played for Coach Yow at North Carolina State in Head Coach Tynesha Lewis (1997-01) and Assistant Coach Chasity Melvin (1994-98).
"I am super grateful to be a part of anything that allows me to tell the story of Coach Kay Yow and make sure the world knows the purpose of the Kay Yow Fund," said Lewis.
"I had the privilege of playing for Coach Yow," said Melvin. "She was not just a coach but a mentor and friend. She taught me the fundamentals of both the game and life. Her legacy will never be duplicated or replicated and she will forever be one of a kind."
Back in November, sixth-year forward Briauna Thompson was honored by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund as the first-ever recipient of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award. Through this award, the Kay Yow Foundation aims to recognize student-athletes who embody servant leadership. Annual award winners exemplify Coach Yow's spirit and are also servants at heart.
Thompson wore a special patch on her jersey this season as a recipient of the award.
"As a Christian and student-athlete, I am honored to receive such a prestigious award," said Thompson. "Thank you to my coaches and the Kay Yow Foundation for acknowledging me and other student athletes for our dedication, leadership and hard work."
"Briauna exemplifies resilience and quiet leadership in everything she does," said Lewis. "She has faced challenges with strength and determination, inspiring her teammates and coaches alike. It has truly been a privilege to coach someone with her dedication and character. Briauna receiving the Kay Yow Service Award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to others and to the values of the game."
As a part of pushing the fight against cancer forward and continuing to raise awareness, Lewis offered to be the first to have a mammogram when mobile mammogram units visited campus courtesy of UNC Health Pardee and Novant back in February. At the team's annual Play4Kay game on February 8, breast cancer survivors were welcomed to the court for a special recognition at halftime that included Thompson's mother Cynthia. Through the efforts of UNC Asheville Women's Basketball, a generous matching gift, and a contribution of $2,500 from ARA Health Specialists, a total of just under $4,000Â was raised toward cancer research for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
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 $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.
About Women's Athletics Presenting Partner First Bank
First Bank is the banking subsidiary of First Bancorp and is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $12.1 billion. As a state-chartered community bank, First Bank operates 113 bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina and a nationwide SBA platform. Since 1935, First Bank has taken a tailored approach to banking, combining best-in-class financial solutions, helpful local expertise, and technology to manage a home or business. First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "FBNC." Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
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Players Mentioned
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