news-record.com

At N.C. State

Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Kay Yow has a heavy heart today. Her record and the honors she has received over the years are evidence of her abilities as a coach, but the former student-athletes who come back year after year and bring their children to visit her are a testament to the type of person she was. She was a blessing to many people because of her strong faith. She faced every opponent, whether on the basketball court or in a hospital room, with dignity and grace. She will be greatly missed.

-- Lee Fowler, athletics director

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We have lost a great person, coach, leader and friend. Coach Yow's courage, passion for her work, strength and humility despite her personal challenges inspired all of us. She epitomized what a coach and role model should be. Her influence will be felt for years to come. The Wolfpack nation and everyone who followed her successes on the court and her struggles off the court were blessed by Kay Yow's life. She will be profoundly missed.

-- James Oblinger, chancellor

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It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Coach Yow for the last 15 seasons. I suddenly find myself grasping to retain everything she has ever said and ever taught me.

-- Stephanie Glance, women's interim head coach

in the acc

What an impact Kay had on so many. Whether one of her players, an opposing coach, a friend, an associate in the world of sports or one who observed her grace, dignity, elegance, kindness and competitive spirit from a distance, you couldn't help but be touched by her presence in our world. Kay was a very special lady. All of us associated with the ACC will miss her immensely, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, loved ones and team.

-- John Swofford, ACC commissioner

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Kay was a real treasure to me. She was a jewel of a person, an outstanding coach, but more than anything a dear friend. She always represented herself and N.C. State with tremendous honor, grace and style, and her presence and competitive spirit will be greatly missed in the ACC. I don't know of anyone in the world of women's basketball that doesn't owe a debt of gratitude to Kay.

-- Sylvia Hatchell, North Carolina women's basketball coach

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Today is a sad day for all of us that were fortunate enough to know her. Her record of accomplishments in women's basketball is unparalleled. But to all of those whose lives she touched, her legacy will be her tremendous courage, faith and love of people. Everyone who came in to contact with Coach Yow was better for the experience.

-- Mike Petersen, Wake Forest women's basketball coach

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I knew Kay most of my life. She was a role model when I was in college, even though she coached our rival, Elon. She was an opponent as we played summer softball on rival teams. And of course, when I got to Duke in '77 she once again was an opponent. Through it all, I respected her so much and our friendship grew. When I left Duke, one of the first calls I got was from my buddy Kay. There will never be another who has the ability to be such a competitor in one moment and such an ally in the next.

-- Debbie Leonard, former Duke women's basketball coach

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She was a great lady, but a very good coach. She worked with the game and tried to make it a better game.

-- Gary Williams, Maryland men's basketball coach