RALEIGH, N.C. -- The women's basketball program has earned the 2026 National Division II Play4Kay Award for the seventh time in eight years. 

"When it comes to supporting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, it is a natural priority for our university and our community to step forward," head coach Jonathon Barbaree said. "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."

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was founded from the vision of Kay Yow, former head women's basketball coach at NC State University. Yow was diagnosed with cancer first in 1987 and passed away due to the diseason in January of 2009. The organization remains committed to raising money for life-saving cancer research, underserved programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare while uniting people in the fight against all different types of cancers that affect women. 

For the Trojans, being able to support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund impacts more than just one game a year. It is a movement that they prioritize as a program, a campus and a community. Their consistency in winning this award shows the power that comes when a program is fully bought into a mission. 

Anderson's continued support of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has raised nearly $90,000 in support of the ongoing fight against cancer affecting women.