Pack awaits Yow's return

Lacking energy, ailing coach rests

RALEIGH -- The N.C. State women's basketball team hustled through a spirited practice at Reynolds Coliseum on Tuesday afternoon.

But, again, something major was missing -- coach Kay Yow, who is battling breast cancer and still experiencing a lack of energy.

When the 66-year-old Hall of Fame coach might return is unpredictable, associate head coach Stephanie Glance said.

"It's a day-to-day thing," said Glance, who is directing the team in Yow's absence. "She has a really low energy level. ... This just happened in the last 10 days. She's seeing her oncologist [Dr. Mark Graham] regularly and trying to work with different treatments."

Yow, who was unavailable for comment, has missed the past two games and isn't likely to be on the bench today when the Pack plays Georgetown at Reynolds.

Yow was at home Tuesday, N.C. State assistant media relations director Mark Kimmel said.

While the Wolfpack coaching staff and players were intensely focused during Tuesday's workout, Glance said concern about Yow's health is "the top priority for everybody."

Glance talks and visits frequently with Yow, who listens to the games on radio, studies the stats sheets and wants to know details about her young team's development.

Entering this season, Yow had a 672-318 record in 33 seasons at State, where the Reynolds Coliseum court is named in her honor.

Yow was diagnosed with cancer in 1987 and suffered a recurrence several years ago, but she has steadfastly continued coaching and serving as an inspiration for thousands.

"People talk about mental toughness -- she is one mentally tough woman, to persevere like she has," Glance said. "I've never seen her down or discouraged. She has a very strong faith, is very much at peace and very positive, like she has always been."