RALEIGH, N.C. - For the 13th time in 15 seasons as a program, Faulkner Women's Basketball raised the most money among participating NAIA institutions for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. As part of an annual tradition, faculty and staff, fans and supporters of Lady Eagle basketball fundraised in the week leading up to and the day of this year's Play4Kay Night on February 12, in which the Lady Eagles topped No. 18 William Carey 90-82.
Each of the four-year universities represented also topped their respective divisions in 2023 and 2024: Illinois State (NCAA Division I), Anderson (NCAA Division II), Moravian (NCAA Division III) and Faulkner (NAIA).
The entire release from the Kay Yow Foundation is below.
KAY YOW CANCER FUND ANNOUNCES 2026 NATIONAL PLAY4KAY AWARD WINNERS
Raleigh, NC (April 3, 2026) – The Kay Yow Cancer Fund announces its 2026 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 teams, coaches, fans, officials, and communities, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded over $11M to support critical cancer research and programs that expand access to quality care for under-resourced women facing cancer.
The Fund will honor the following schools and communities for raising the most money in their respective divisions at the Wow4Yow celebration event in Phoenix, AZ during 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 Redbirds women's basketball continues to set the standard for rallying a community with purpose, once again earning both the Division I and Non-BCS Play4Kay Awards. 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 and enduring tradition at Illinois State University—one that has now earned the program the Non-BCS award for an extraordinary 11 consecutive years. This sustained commitment reflects the deep connection between the team, the campus, and the broader community in advancing the mission of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Their dedication is a powerful reminder that when a community unites around a shared cause, 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, Illinois State University Head Coach
"We are so grateful that our efforts match Coach Yow's vision by uniting coaches and a community, advancing cancer research and lifting up survivors," said Chief Operating Officer/SWA Leanna Bordner. "We have been successful in raising funds during our Play4Kay events in large part due to the support of our university and athletics department leadership, campus and community volunteers who serve as captains and are passionate about this fundraising cause and local sponsors who make our annual Play4Kay game a priority."
Division II: Anderson University (Anderson, SC)
Anderson Trojans women's basketball continues to lead with heart and purpose, once again earning the National Division II Play4Kay Award through the South Atlantic Conference initiative.
With seven awards in the past eight years, Anderson's commitment runs deep—Play4Kay is not simply an event on their calendar, but a movement woven into the fabric of their campus and community. Their sustained leadership reflects the powerful impact that can be achieved when a program fully embraces a mission beyond the game.
This dedication has helped drive nearly $90,000 raised in support of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the ongoing fight against all cancers affecting women—an inspiring example of what's possible when passion meets purpose.
"When it comes to supporting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, it is a natural priority for our university and our community to step forward. Across campus, we recognize that the fight against cancer is ongoing, and we are committed to being part of the solution. With the support of Spero Financial, along with the city of Anderson and its local businesses, our community has united behind this important cause. We are sincerely grateful for their generosity and remain hopeful that, together, we can one day defeat this disease." — Jonathon Barbaree, Anderson University, Head Coach
Division III: Moravian University (Bethlehem, PA)
For the 18th consecutive year, Moravian Greyhounds women's basketball has earned the National Play4Kay Division III Award—an extraordinary legacy of commitment and compassion. This year, that commitment carried even deeper meaning as the team and campus community rallied around their head coach during her cancer diagnosis and leave of absence.
At Moravian University, Play4Kay represents far more than a game on the schedule. It is a powerful expression of unity—standing together in the face of adversity, lifting one another up, and carrying forward a message of hope.
Their strength embodies the spirit of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund: Louder. Stronger. Unstoppable…Together.
"Winning this award for the 18th 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
NAIA: Faulkner University (Montgomery, AL)
Faulkner University wins their 13th overall National Play4Kay NAIA award, reflecting a long-standing commitment to making a difference in the fight against all cancers affecting women. A united community remains at the forefront of their efforts to support the mission of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
"We are incredibly honored to once again partner with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund through Play4Kay. What makes this so special is the way our entire campus comes together in support of such an important cause—it truly is a total team effort across our university community. We take great pride in making Play4Kay a fun, energetic, and meaningful day that brings people together while honoring survivors and raising awareness. To be recognized at the NAIA level speaks to the passion and commitment behind our event. We are especially grateful to our Student Government Association for helping create such an exciting atmosphere and for their continued generosity in supporting this mission." — Jacob Roark, Faulkner University, Head Coach
Junior College/Community College: Bakersfield College (Bakersfield, CA)
Bakersfield College has been named a two-time recipient of the National JUCO Play4Kay Award, continuing the remarkable momentum built last season when the program galvanized its community around the mission of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
As a proud member of the CCCAA, Bakersfield College joined many fellow institutions in rallying behind the Play4Kay movement—uniting athletes, coaches, and fans in the fight against cancer and demonstrating the power of collective action for a common cause.
Through its dedication and community engagement, Bakersfield College exemplifies the spirit of Play4Kay and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's message that we are Louder. Stronger. Unstoppable…Together.
"I continue to be astounded by the support our Bakersfield community shows for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's mission to fight all cancers affecting women. Our team, led by our Kay Yow Servant Leader, rallied behind our goal of making an impact for the second year in a row, and they did just that. I am incredibly proud of how our program and its supporters continue to pour into this cause." — Grant Bingham, Bakersfield College, Head Coach
Nationwide K-12: Broughton High School (Raleigh, NC)
NC-Based K-12: Broughton High School (Raleigh, NC)
At Needham B. Broughton High School, a teacher and her students have galvanized their local community through an experiential learning project that culminates each year in Play4Kay. For the past nine years, the initiative has become a source of pride for students, who gain real-world skills while making a meaningful impact on cancer survivors and thrivers in their community.
Broughton's Play4Kay event began as an honors class project in the Sport & Event Marketing II course, designed to give students practical marketing experience while raising funds for a powerful cause. Under the guidance of Ms. Patterson, students take ownership of the entire event—planning, promoting, and executing every detail as they challenge themselves to surpass the fundraising efforts of the previous class.
The initiative has grown into a community-wide effort, fueled by the incredible support of the Broughton High School and Raleigh communities. Over the past three years alone, the event has raised more than $100,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, contributing to more than $140,000 donated during the school's eight years of involvement.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund holds a special connection to North Carolina while supporting people everywhere affected by cancer. Broughton High School is proud to play a small but meaningful role in advancing the fight against all cancers affecting women.
"At its core, our Play4Kay event is where education meets purpose. Watching my students take ownership of this class project and transform into leaders is such a privilege. They are learning that marketing is more powerful when it's inspired by a spirit of service. I'm so proud of how each class strives to surpass the amount raised by the class before proving that our students don't have to wait until tomorrow to lead because they are making life-changing impacts today." — Ms. Patterson, Broughton HS Teacher
"Congratulations to the 2026 Play4Kay National Award winners for the leadership and heart they've shown this season," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "Play4Kay represents the very best of the women's basketball community—teams, officials, fans, and communities coming together around a cause bigger than the game. Their dedication fuels critical research and programs that support women and families nationwide and shows the power of communities rallying behind women facing cancer. 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, 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 over $11 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.
