The woman who brought North Carolina State University women's basketball into national prominence is also a pioneer in the area of breast cancer-awareness.

Yow suffered through three bouts of cancer, succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009. But in the years leading up to her death, she inspired many with her always positive and inspiring attitude and deeds in the face of the deadly disease.

Inspiring Other Basketball Coaches

Her public battle with the disease gave strength to fellow coaches, including colleague Jim Valvano, the legendary men's coach at NCSU and founder of the Jimmy V Foundation. Valvano also died from cancer and his foundation raises funds to find a cure.