NC State Women's Basketball Coach Yow Out For Remainder Of Season

Raleigh, NC (AHN) - North Carolina State women's basketball coach Kay Yow will not return court-side for her team for the rest of the season due to her ongoing battle with cancer, the university reported Tuesday.

Yow has already missed the past four games for the Wolfpack, starting with the team's December 22 matchup vs. Columbia in New York.

Bone-chilling weather also played a role in her decision to skip that contest, though Yow has also dealt with lack of energy issues in a situation that cost her 16 games two seasons ago.

Yow, 66, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 and suffered a recurrence during the 2004-05 season.

Yow, whose contract runs through the 2011-12 season, said she will consider whether or not to return to the program after this season.

In the meantime, Associate head coach Stephanie Glance will continue to lead the 8-7 Wolfpack, who take on highly-ranked North Carolina Sunday.

"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 in a statement.

The university stands by its classy coach.

"Our No. 1 concern right now is the health and well-being of coach Yow," athletic director Lee Fowler said in the statement. "I speak for our entire athletic department and say we support the decision that she has made, and our thoughts and prayers are with her as she continues her fight."