How's this for toughness: NC State coach Kay Yow will return to the sidelines after a two-month leave for cancer treatment.
Yow, 64, is being treated for a recurrence of cancer that she was first diagnosed with in 1987. It first recurred during the 2004-05 season. She's been undergoing chemo and targeted biologic therapies. She'll be sporting a wig when she returns for her first coaching stint since November on Thursday against ACC rival Virginia. The Cavaliers are coached by Debbie Ryan, also a cancer survivor.
Her oncologist says the cancer is still present and that the treatments are "life-extending," not a cure.
The Wolfpack is 13-7, being led through the past 16 games by longtime assistant Stephanie Glance. Yow, in her 32nd season as head coach at NC State, has a record of 696-321 in 36 seasons overall. She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Yow said she views her return to coaching as part of her therapy, but she might have to limit her energy output during practices and games. Does that mean no arguing with the refs or taking it easy on her point guard? Doubtful. Despite a weakened immune system and low energy, Yow likely will continue fighting. Cancer -- and Virginia -- look out.