What they're saying

Reaction to N.C. state women's coach Kay Yow taking a leave of absence for the rest of the season

"Being a cancer survivor, I completely understand not exactly what's she's going through, but I understand parts of what's she's been through. I think that this journey that she's going through right now has to be her own. She has to find her own way through this. I support everything that's she's doing.

"It will be a devastating loss not to have her on the sideline at N.C. State, but in so many ways she's there anyway. I don't think there will ever be a game or a practice or a workout that she doesn't actually attend if not in body then in spirit."

Debbie Ryan, Virginia coach

"She keeps on. Every time it comes back, she's gone after it and been the one to come out on top. So I know she's fighting now as hard as ever."

Sylvia Hatchell, North Carolina coach

"The most difficult [decision] of her professional career because she loves those kids.

"When you come on to play at N.C. State -- it's a wonderful university and you'll get a first-class education -- but you signed on to play there because you want to be with Coach Yow.

"You want to learn from her, basketball and life lessons."

Debbie Antonelli, broadcast analyst and former player

"She's putting the team and her staff ahead of herself. That's just the way Kay lives. ... She really does not want the focus to be on her. ... She's not wanting to detract or distract them."

Nora Lynn Finch, ACC associate commissioner for women's basketball operations