Raleigh, NC - 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.

Lincoln Memorial women's basketball guard Alexa Smiddy was named a 2025-26 Servant Leader Award honoree on Tuesday. 

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."

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.

"A leader is a person who serves. You care about people first, then go about getting the task done." - Kay Yow

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 the fight against all cancers affecting women. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, or to donate, please visit KayYow.com.