Updated: 12:15 a.m., 2/17/2007
RALEIGH, N.C. – Following the approval by the University Board of Trustees, NC State University announced on Feb. 16, 2006, it has named the Reynolds Coliseum basketball court in honor of long-time women's basketball coach Kay Yow. The surface was christened “Kay Yow Court” in prior to the Wolfpack's 72-65 upset victory over No. 2 North Carolina, in an emotionally charged atmosphere in front of 7,460 spectators.
In her 32 years at the helm of the Wolfpack Women’s program, Yow has now guided her teams to 645 victories, including Friday night's upset of the Tar Heels. For her career, she has posted a 702-322 mark.
“No one in the history of NC State athletics has brought more honor to this university than Kay Yow," said Chancellor James L. Oblinger. “She is truly deserving of this recognition.”
"This is a unique and fitting tribute,” added Director of Athletics Lee Fowler. “We are proud to be able to commemorate all of the success she has enjoyed and the years of hard work she has put in by naming the court in her honor."
Following Friday's game, said she was humbled by the honor of being the second women's college basketball coach to have a court named in her honor. (Tennessee's Pat Summitt is the other.)
"I didn’t know what to think," Yow said. "There have been so many great coaches and great players who have played in this arena and I just hope that with the court named after me that I would represent them in a class way. I hope it says a lot for everybody who has been in this building. I always wanted to add to Reynolds' legacy. I remember my dad bringing me to the Dixie Classic when I was a little girl. So I have memories for a long time here. It’s quite exciting.
"I don’t know that I am worthy of it, but I am certainly honored, and humbled, and grateful to be a part of it. Spending 32 years in Reynolds Coliseum means a lot to me. I think of her as a grand old lady and one of my best buddies."
Yow was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 27, 2002, alongside Earvin “Magic” Johnson, coaches Larry Brown and Lute Olson, and the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters.
Yow’s Wolfpack teams have advanced to 19 of the 25 NCAA Tournaments, a mark which ranks 10th among active Division I coaches. She directed NC State to the 1998 final four and to 10 “Sweet 16” appearances.
Entering this season, Yow had averaged 20 wins a year with the Wolfpack Women and on February 5, she became just the sixth Division I women’s basketball coach to earn 700 career victories. Her career mark now stands at 701-322 in 36 seasons on the sidelines, including a 644-303 slate with NC State.
This season has been a particularly tough one for Yow and the program. The Wolfpack’s mentor was forced to take a leave of absence in November after her doctor detected a progression of her breast cancer. Yow missed 16 games before announcing her comeback on January 22.
Yow was the coach of the women’s gold medal team at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul Korea. In 2002, she was named the “Person of the Year” for the state of North Carolina by the Raleigh News & Observer for her many contributions as an educator and coach.
Yow recorded her first win at NC State in Reynolds on January 10, 1976, a 68-64 win over Charleston.
Ceremonies are expected to take place around 6:45 pm, immediately following the Senior Night presentation.
Other notable games at Reynolds include:
January 27, 1976
Hosted first televised women’s basketball game in the state of North Carolina. NC State defeated UNC, 68-58.
March 13, 1982
The Wolfpack played its first NCAA Tournament game, defeating Northwestern, 75-71.
January 15, 1996
Earned 500th career win with a 68-63 victory over Georgia Tech.
December 2, 2004
Recorded 600th win at NC State with a 65-36 victory over Seton Hall.
January 22, 2006
Became the fourth coach in NCAA D1 to coach 1,000 career games. NC State won that contest, 78-43, over Dartmouth
Courtesy: Tim Peeler
