Moravian Leads NCAA DIII for 18th Consecutive Year in 2026 Play4Kay with Record $28,172 Raised
RALEIGH, N.C. --- The Moravian University women’s basketball program has been named as the NCAA Division III winner of the 2026 Kay Yow Cancer Fund Play4Kay fundraiser with a record total of $28,172 raised in 2026, the 18th consecutive year that the Greyhounds have led NCAA Division III schools in Play4Kay.
RALEIGH, N.C. --- The Moravian University women's basketball program has been named as the NCAA Division III winner of the 2026 Kay Yow Cancer Fund Play4Kay fundraiser with a record total of $28,172 raised in 2026, the 18th consecutive year that the Greyhounds have led NCAA Division III schools in Play4Kay.
"Winning this award for the 18th consecutive year is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our team, supporters, and the mission of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund," stated Moravian Director of Athletics and Head Women's Coach Mary Beth Spirk. "This year, our work carries even greater meaning, reminding us all why this fight is so important. Cancer affects far too many lives, and we remain dedicated to making a difference, honoring those who face this battle every day. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting this cause and for the incredible generosity of everyone who makes this possible. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support making this a record-breaking year, tying into our athletics motto 'Records are Meant to be Broken!'"
Play4Kay is the grassroots fundraising initiative of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Its primary fundraising support comes from women's basketball teams across the country that dedicate an event to raise funds and awareness for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, an organization committed to funding women's cancer research and supporting projects that assist the underserved community.
"Congratulations to the 2026 Play4Kay National Award winners for the leadership and heart they've shown this season," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "Play4Kay represents the very best of the women's basketball community—teams, officials, fans, and communities coming together around a cause bigger than the game. Their dedication fuels critical research and programs that support women and families nationwide and shows the power of communities rallying behind women facing cancer. We are louder, stronger, and unstoppable together."
This winter, Moravian raised $28,172, the top amount from an NCAA Division III school and the most raised in the division and by Moravian since 2009, to give the program a total of $281,592 donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund over the last 18 years.
The Greyhounds raised $20,302 in 2025, $17,030 in 2024, $18, 012 in 2023, $18,050 in 2022, $6,683 in 2021, $19,053 in 2020, $19,480 in 2019, $19,657 during 2018 and $21,662 in 2017. Moravian was also the top NCAA Division III team in 2016 with $18,520, in 2015 with $17,038, in 2014 with $12,573, in 2013 with $16,210, in 2012 with $12,025, in 2011 with $5,825, in 2010 at $6,100 and a first-year total of $5,200 in 2009.
Other 2026 Play4Kay Divisional winners were Illinois State University (NCAA Division I BCS), Illinois State University (NCAA Division I non-BCS), Anderson University (NCAA Division II), Faulkner (Ala.) University (NAIA), Bakersfield (Calif.) College (JC/CC), Broughton (N.C.) High School (National K-12) and Broughton High School (N.C. K-12).
All the award winners will be honored at the Wow4Yow Appreciation event at the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's nation convention in Phoenix, Arizona at the Women's Basketball Final Four.
Moravian is the only 18-time winner in the 18-year history of the contest.
Since the Fund's inception in 2007, more than $11 million has been allocated in support of women's cancer research and related projects.
For more information about the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and its annual Play 4Kay® initiative, visit www.kayyow.com and follow #Play4Kay and #KayYow.
About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Play4Kay Campaign
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization's namesake, Kay Yow, former NC State University head women's basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009. 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 ALL women's cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved, and unifying people for a common cause. To date, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $11 million in the fight against ALL women's cancers. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, or to donate, please visit www.kayyow.com.
Parts of release courtesy of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
