DURHAM, N.C. – Emory & Henry University graduate student forward Breanna Yarber (Meadowview, Va.) has been named to the 2025-26 class of Kay Yow Servant Leaders by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. It is the second consecutive year that a Wasp has earned the award after Chelsi Hodges received the honor during the 2024-25 season.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who carry the fight to make a difference in the world forward. It is presented annually to student-athletes who best embody the characteristics of Coach Kay Yow – people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court.
RELATED - 2025-26 Kay Yow Servant Leader Award Winners
In just its second year, the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award has more than doubled in size, growing from 26 honorees in its inaugural class to 65 this season — a reflection of the program's expanding reach and impact across the sport.
Recipients of the Servant Leader Award are people of great character who put the needs of others before their own, who uplift others, and who do it with grace and humility. They are nominated by their coach, and are people who exemplify Coach Yow's spirit and who reflect her resolve, grace, generosity, and servant's heart. Winners display courage and strength, and their first response is to give to others.
"Breanna is one of the most humble players I have ever coached," commented Head Women's Basketball Coach Jaclyn Dickens. "That is who she is as a person as well. She leads by example and is highly respected and loved by her teammates. She embraces coaching, has a passion for doing her best and does so much behind the scenes that creates a team atmosphere. She is the first to check on an injured teammate, give them a ride or take them home for a meal. She involves everyone and has a good heart toward everyone. You can count on her to do the right thing, always. Breanna is involved with numerous events in our community. She volunteers at her church, spends time at a local elementary school and participates in all our community service events with our team. She is one that I can count on to do a great job and lead at these events."
As a Kay Yow Servant Leader, Yarber will wear a special patch on her uniform for the 2025-26 season. The patch embodies the character traits of Kay Yow – uplifting, powerful, drawing and giving strength. It is a representation of the "ripple effect" of servant leadership and the positive impact it can make in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
---E&H/KYCF---