COLUMBIA — Pink filled Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 5 as South Carolina women’s basketball embraced one of the most meaningful nights on its calendar: the annual Play4Kay game.
From the players on the court to the fans in the stands, the message was unmistakable. The No. 3 Gamecocks (22-2, 8-1 SEC) hosted Mississippi State not just to compete, but to honor the legacy of the late Kay Yow and to stand in solidarity with women battling cancer.
South Carolina’s commitment to the cause was visible from the moment warmups began. Players took the floor in pink shirts, joined by head coach Dawn Staley and her entire staff dressed head-to-toe in pink. Fans entering Colonial Life Arena were also handed pink shirts, transforming the venue into a unified symbol of awareness and support.
Play4Kay is a nationwide initiative tied to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting cancers that affect women. According to the organization, Play4Kay games “unite coaches, players, officials, and fans in the fight against all cancers affecting women,” a mission that has become deeply embedded in women’s college basketball culture.
For Staley, wearing pink is about more than tradition—it’s about honoring excellence, courage, and impact beyond the scoreboard. South Carolina’s participation reflects a program that consistently uses its platform to elevate causes larger than basketball.
Kay Yow’s legacy looms large across the sport. She served as head coach of NC State women’s basketball from 1975 to 2009, building one of the most respected programs in the country. Over her career, Yow captured five ACC championships and compiled a 737–344 record, earning admiration not only for her success, but for her resilience.
Yow passed away on Jan. 24, 2009, following a long battle with breast cancer. Her strength during that fight, and the grace with which she carried herself, continues to inspire generations of coaches and players—including those competing years after her passing.
That inspiration was evident Wednesday night as South Carolina balanced competition with commemoration. The pink apparel served as a visual reminder that the night’s significance extended far beyond the final score. It was about awareness, remembrance, and unity.
By fully embracing Play4Kay, Staley and the Gamecocks reinforced what the event represents: using the game as a vehicle for hope. In a packed arena awash in pink, South Carolina honored Kay Yow not just in color, but in spirit—by standing together, amplifying her legacy, and reminding everyone why this night still matters.
