WDHS Girls Play for Kay Saturday

The pink ribbons are sold. The pink T-shirts are set to go. The socks–well, they’re pink enough you can see them from space.

For the girls’ basketball team, which is hosting a Play 4Kay game against Kingsway Saturday, benefiting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, in memory of the late North Carolina State women’s basketball coach, this isn’t just a run-of-the-mill fundraiser.

This charity effort is personal.

Nearly every player on the team has had a relative fight against cancer, and the team has a direct link to the legendary Wolfpack coach: Megan Kirschling’s mother, Mary Beth, played basketball and softball under Yow at N.C. State just after Yow moved over from coaching at Elon College.

Megan Kirschling actually got to meet Yow numerous times growing up, when her family attended games at Maryland, Seton Hall and Villanova, among others, and the coach always made time to meet with Megan and other kids who came to the games.

“She was an amazing, amazing lady,” Megan Kirschling said. “She cared for everyone.”

Yow, who compiled 737 wins in her college coaching career and coached the 1988 U.S. women’s team to an Olympic gold medal, fought against breast cancer three times in her life, before finally succumbing to the disease almost exactly three years ago, on Jan. 24, 2009.

The West Deptford girls’ basketball team did a Play 4K game two years ago, helping raise money for women’s cancer research, but didn’t have one last year, and the players said it’s a way to both build team spirit and give back at the same time.

“We wanted to bring it back,” Megan Kirschling said. “It’s exciting for us.”

Head coach J McKeown praised his players’ commitment to the event, and said he’s even bringing out some relatives who haven’t been to see the team play before.

“I told them, ‘This is the game to come to,’” McKeown said.

The response ahead of the game has been great, the players said, as their classmates have chipped in, donating to coin drops and buying pink ribbons that will adorn the stands Saturday. The girls initially intended to sell 10 for every member of the team, but they’ve blown past that.

“Everyone’s been asking for more,” Danielle McKeown said.

Now, they’re just hoping for a good turnout Saturday.

“This is our game to pull through and just help out however we can,” Megan Kirschling said.

The details on West Deptford's :

Beginning with the freshman game at 10 a.m., all gate receipts and concession stand proceeds will go to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Varsity tips off at 1 p.m. against Kingsway. Can't make it to the game, but still want to donate? You can pledge online at the Play 4Kay website.