University Southern California Trojans
October 30, 2026 | Women's Basketball
The USC junior returns to the national initiative after helping raise more than $10,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund last season
LOS ANGELES — USC junior Kennedy Smith has been selected as a Kay Yow Servant Leader for the 2026-27 season, marking her second consecutive year representing the Women of Troy in the national initiative.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award recognizes student-athletes who exemplify leadership, selflessness and service while embodying the values of Hall of Fame basketball coach Kay Yow.
During her first year as a Servant Leader, Smith helped raise more than $10,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. She returns this season as part of a cohort of women's basketball players from across the country committed to using their platforms to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities.
Servant Leaders are distinguished by a special patch worn on their game jerseys. The patch symbolizes the defining qualities of Yow's character — uplifting others, demonstrating strength and drawing strength from those around her.
On the court, Smith has established herself as one of the Big Ten's top two-way players. A 2025-26 All-Big Ten Defensive Team selection, she averaged 11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals while starting all 29 games in which she appeared. Smith finished the season with 54 steals and 31 blocks, highlighted by a career-high 20 points and a USC season-best six blocks against Illinois. She also scored in double figures in seven games against ranked opponents.
Honoring the Legacy of Kay Yow
Yow battled breast cancer for 22 years, inspiring countless individuals through her compassion, passion and integrity. She was admired for her character, courage and leadership both on and off the court.
About the Award
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Yow's legacy and the young people carrying her fight forward through their actions and leadership. It is presented annually to student-athletes who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and leading with a spirit of selfless service on and off the court or athletic field.
The award strengthens the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's commitment to fostering service and leadership, two values that were central to Yow's life and career.
About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was founded on Dec. 3, 2007, fulfilling Yow's vision to support advanced research, improve the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve underserved communities and unite people in the fight against all cancers. To learn more, visit kayyow.com.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award recognizes student-athletes who exemplify leadership, selflessness and service while embodying the values of Hall of Fame basketball coach Kay Yow.
During her first year as a Servant Leader, Smith helped raise more than $10,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. She returns this season as part of a cohort of women's basketball players from across the country committed to using their platforms to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities.
Servant Leaders are distinguished by a special patch worn on their game jerseys. The patch symbolizes the defining qualities of Yow's character — uplifting others, demonstrating strength and drawing strength from those around her.
On the court, Smith has established herself as one of the Big Ten's top two-way players. A 2025-26 All-Big Ten Defensive Team selection, she averaged 11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals while starting all 29 games in which she appeared. Smith finished the season with 54 steals and 31 blocks, highlighted by a career-high 20 points and a USC season-best six blocks against Illinois. She also scored in double figures in seven games against ranked opponents.
Honoring the Legacy of Kay Yow
Yow battled breast cancer for 22 years, inspiring countless individuals through her compassion, passion and integrity. She was admired for her character, courage and leadership both on and off the court.
About the Award
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Yow's legacy and the young people carrying her fight forward through their actions and leadership. It is presented annually to student-athletes who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and leading with a spirit of selfless service on and off the court or athletic field.
The award strengthens the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's commitment to fostering service and leadership, two values that were central to Yow's life and career.
About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was founded on Dec. 3, 2007, fulfilling Yow's vision to support advanced research, improve the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve underserved communities and unite people in the fight against all cancers. To learn more, visit kayyow.com.
Players Mentioned
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