Photo by: John Fajardo
Kennan Ka Selected As Recipient Of Kay Yow Servant Leader Award
10/15/2025 10:21:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Ka is one of nine chosen from the Big West, and is a second straight honoree from Long Beach State.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Junior Kennan Ka was selected as a Kay Yow Servant Leader Award winner by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, recognizing 64 women's basketball student-athletes nationwide who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness and service.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who carry the fight forward, inspiring others through their actions and leadership. It is presented annually to student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact in their communities – people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court or athletic field. Award winners will receive a jersey patch to visibly recognize their accomplishments throughout the season.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award is very near and dear to my heart," said head coach Amy Wright. "Not only from losing so many friends, teammates, and colleagues to cancer, but also because all those women embodied exactly what it is to be associated with this award. Compassion, Selflessness & commitment are all characteristics that Kennan has displayed since I arrived at Long Beach State. She is a fierce competitor, which is exactly the primary quality it takes to be more and do more than just for yourself. Kennan exemplifies all these areas and more."
Ka is the second winner of the award from Long Beach State, as Lovely Sonnier was one of 14 recipients selected for recognition in the program's first year last year. She is joined by eight other recipients throughout the Big West.
Coach Kay Yow, Hall of Fame basketball coach and namesake of the Fund, was widely admired not only for her success on the court but also for her compassion, integrity, and dedication to helping others. She hoped to inspire people to make a difference in the fight against all cancers affecting women – a fight that impacts each and every one of us. And she counted on the sports community of coaches, players, officials, and fans to propel the cause.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who carry the fight forward, inspiring others through their actions and leadership. It is presented annually to student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact in their communities – people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court or athletic field. Award winners will receive a jersey patch to visibly recognize their accomplishments throughout the season.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award is very near and dear to my heart," said head coach Amy Wright. "Not only from losing so many friends, teammates, and colleagues to cancer, but also because all those women embodied exactly what it is to be associated with this award. Compassion, Selflessness & commitment are all characteristics that Kennan has displayed since I arrived at Long Beach State. She is a fierce competitor, which is exactly the primary quality it takes to be more and do more than just for yourself. Kennan exemplifies all these areas and more."
Ka is the second winner of the award from Long Beach State, as Lovely Sonnier was one of 14 recipients selected for recognition in the program's first year last year. She is joined by eight other recipients throughout the Big West.
Coach Kay Yow, Hall of Fame basketball coach and namesake of the Fund, was widely admired not only for her success on the court but also for her compassion, integrity, and dedication to helping others. She hoped to inspire people to make a difference in the fight against all cancers affecting women – a fight that impacts each and every one of us. And she counted on the sports community of coaches, players, officials, and fans to propel the cause.
Players Mentioned
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