USC’s Kennedy Smith Honored as Recipient of Kay Yow Servant Leader Award
October 01, 2025 | Women's Basketball
The award honors student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness and service in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
LOS ANGELES – USC's Kennedy Smith was selected as a recipient of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award ahead of the 2025-26 season. The award recognized student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness and service, embodying the Hall of Fame basketball coach Kay Yow.
Smith is joined by a cohort of other women's basketball players across the nation. Award recipients are distinguished by a special patch on their game-worn jerseys, symbolizing their role as servant leaders. The patch embodies the character traits of Kay Yow – uplifting, powerful, drawing and giving strength.
Now in her second season at USC, Smith has developed into an on- and off-court leader for the Women of Troy, who enter their second season in the Big Ten and won the conference's regular-season title earlier this year. After helped USC's squad reached the NCAA Elite Eight as a freshman, Smith was called-up to the U.S. National Team, where she helped Team USA win gold at the FIBA AmeriCup.
Honoring the Legacy of Kay Yow
Kay Yow battled breast cancer for 22 years, inspiring individuals with her compassion, passion and integrity. She was admired for her character on and off the court.
About the Award
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Yow's legacy and the young people who carry the fight forward, inspiring others through their actions and leadership. It is presented annually to student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact in their communities – people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court or athletic field.
The introduction of this award strengthens the Kay Yow Cancer Fund organization's commitment to fostering a spirit of service and leadership, values that were core to Coach Yow's life and career.
About Kay Yow Cancer Fund
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on Dec. 3, 2007, fulfilling Yow's vision to support advanced research, extend the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve the underserved, and unite people. To learn more, visit kayyow.com
Smith is joined by a cohort of other women's basketball players across the nation. Award recipients are distinguished by a special patch on their game-worn jerseys, symbolizing their role as servant leaders. The patch embodies the character traits of Kay Yow – uplifting, powerful, drawing and giving strength.
Now in her second season at USC, Smith has developed into an on- and off-court leader for the Women of Troy, who enter their second season in the Big Ten and won the conference's regular-season title earlier this year. After helped USC's squad reached the NCAA Elite Eight as a freshman, Smith was called-up to the U.S. National Team, where she helped Team USA win gold at the FIBA AmeriCup.
Honoring the Legacy of Kay Yow
Kay Yow battled breast cancer for 22 years, inspiring individuals with her compassion, passion and integrity. She was admired for her character on and off the court.
About the Award
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Yow's legacy and the young people who carry the fight forward, inspiring others through their actions and leadership. It is presented annually to student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact in their communities – people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court or athletic field.
The introduction of this award strengthens the Kay Yow Cancer Fund organization's commitment to fostering a spirit of service and leadership, values that were core to Coach Yow's life and career.
About Kay Yow Cancer Fund
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on Dec. 3, 2007, fulfilling Yow's vision to support advanced research, extend the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve the underserved, and unite people. To learn more, visit kayyow.com
Players Mentioned
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