CARY, N.C. — The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and The V Foundation, announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors.
University of Oklahoma head women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale, Penn State head women’s basketball coach Coquese Washington and ESPN’s Vice President-Programming and Acquisitions Carol Stiff, have been named to the Fund’s Board of Directors starting Sept. 1, 2012. Nora Lynn Finch, ACC Associate Commissioner for Women’s Basketball Operations and Senior Woman Administrator, will begin her role as President, and Connie Rogers-Newcome, Adhesives Research executive account manager, will transition into the Past President position.
"We are pleased to add such strong advocates to our existing leadership on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors," said Sue Donohoe, Executive Director of the Fund. "Sherri, Coquese and Carol have each been tremendous supporters of the Fund and we look forward to working with each of them in an even greater capacity."
"The leadership of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund plays such an integral role in its growth," said Rogers-Newcome. "We are excited to add these three individuals, who have already demonstrated amazing support and leadership in the fight against women’s cancers, to the Board of Directors."
Coale is heading into her 16th season at the Sooners’ helm, boasting a 357-168 record at Oklahoma. During her tenure, Coale has seen six Big 12 regular season championships, 87 Academic All-Big 12 honors, four Big 12 Tournament Championships, 13 All-District Academic Team members, 13 straight NCAA tournament appearances, four Academic All-America Team Members, eight Sweet 16 appearances and three NCAA Women’s Final Four appearances.
"Like many others, I am privileged simply to have been in the presence of Kay Yow and am elated to help extend the trail blazed by her legacy," Coale said. "The impact of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has grown immeasurably as it has aided funding for significant research for fighting this dreadful disease. I am truly proud to serve its mission."
Washington, now in her sixth season leading the charge for Penn State, has increasingly helped to rebuild the Lady Lions program each year. In 2012, she guided her team to the Big Ten regular season title with a 13-3 record in conference action. The Lady Lions also advanced to the Sweet 16, and finished with back-to-back 20 win seasons. She was honored as Big Ten Coach of the Year and WBCA Regional Coach of the Year for her efforts.
"I am truly honored and delighted to join the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors," Washington said. "Coach Yow left such a lasting legacy in the world of basketball with her success on the court. But what she has meant to the community at large with her dedication to cancer research, as well as building strong character in the individuals she coached, goes far beyond the 94 feet of hardwood we play on. It is a wonderful privilege to work with the outstanding individuals on the Board of Directors to carry on Coach Yow’s message and legacy."
Stiff is involved in the programming acquisition and scheduling for a variety of sports on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, including NCAA women’s basketball, several NCAA championships, WNBA, professional softball and more. Stiff, who joined ESPN in 1990, has been a leader in helping to develop ESPN’s relationship and support of The V Foundation, including efforts surrounding Jimmy V Week and the Fund. Before joining ESPN, Carol served as coach at Brown University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Western Connecticut State University.
"It is an absolute honor to have been selected to serve on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors," said Stiff. "I know how important the Fund was to Kay – to find a cure for cancer while uniting the coaches, and I hope my passion and contributions can further her mission."
The members of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Board of Directors include: Debbie Antonelli, Women’s Basketball Analyst; Geno Auriemma, University of Connecticut Head Women’s Basketball Coach; Beth Bass, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Chief Executive Officer; Nikki Caldwell, LSU Head Women’s Basketball Coach (Treasurer); Nora Lynn Finch, ACC Associate Commissioner for Women’s Basketball Operations and Senior Woman Administrator (Vice President); Rosa Gatti, ESPN Senior Vice President; Stephanie Glance, Illinois State University Head Women’s Basketball Coach (Past President); Mark Graham, Waverly Hematology Oncology; Jill Pizzotti, DePaul University Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach (Secretary); Connie Rogers-Newcome, Adhesives Research Executive Account Manager (President); Marsha Sharp, Texas Tech University Assistant Athletics Director, Pat Summitt, University of Tennessee Head Coach Emeritus; Nick Valvano, The V Foundation Chief Executive Officer; and Susan Yow, Belmont Abbey College Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
The Board of Directors is comprised of 20 individuals responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
ABOUT THE KAY YOW CANCER FUND:
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization’s namesake Kay Yow, former North Carolina State head women’s basketball coach. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against women’s cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.
Release Courtesy of the Kay Yow Fund