North Carolina State coach Yow to miss rest of season

Jan 6, 2009 - 9:28 PM RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Citing her current health situation, veteran North Carolina State women's basketball coach Kay Yow announced Tuesday that she will step down for the remainder of the season.

The 66-year-old Yow has missed the last four games due to an extremely low energy level that has lingered since she was absent for North Carolina State's contest at Columbia on December 22.

Assistant Stephanie Glance will serve as the Wolfpack's interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Yow was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 and took a 16-game leave of absence after a recurrence of the cancer in November 2006.

"Stepping away from coaching is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make, but I have great confidence in the experienced staff I have been working with for such a long time and the character of everyone involved in the program to respond positively to my decision," Yow said.

According to the school, Yow will re-visit her decision no later than the end of the current season.

"The ability of any patient with stage four breast cancer to continue at her chosen occupation depends on symptoms from the disease itself, symptoms that can result from the treatments, and the physical and psychological demands of the job," said Dr. Mark Graham, Yow's longtime oncologist.

"Back in late 2006 and early 2007, and again now, the balance of all these factors has not allowed coach Yow to coach up to her high standards. It is my best advice to her at this time to focus on her disease and its treatment, which she will need to do for the foreseeable future."

However, the Hall of Fame coach does hope to attend some North Carolina State games during the remainder of the season.

"Even though I don't feel well enough to coach, I'm hopeful to feel well enough to attend some ACC games and show my support for the team as well as NC State University," she said.

In her 34th season at North Carolina State, Yow has recorded 737 career victories, the sixth-highest total in NCAA women's basketball history.