Winthrop University’s Persais Williams Receives Kay Yow Award

Rock Hill, South Carolina, October 17, 2025

News Summary

Persais Williams, a sophomore guard/forward at Winthrop University, has been awarded the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to service. Williams is the first athlete from her university to receive this prestigious honor, which celebrates student-athletes who make a significant impact in their sports and communities. This award highlights the legacy of Kay Yow, encouraging young athletes to embody values of selflessness and commitment to their community.

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Winthrop University women’s basketball sophomore guard/forward Persais Williams has been honored with the prestigious Kay Yow Servant Leader Award. The announcement was made by head coach Semeka Randal Lay on Friday afternoon, marking a significant achievement in Williams’ athletic career.

The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award recognizes student-athletes who exemplify leadership, selflessness, and service, honoring the legacy of the legendary women’s basketball coach Kay Yow. This award aims to highlight individuals who lead by example and make a positive impact both in sports and their communities.

Persais Williams stands out not only for receiving the award but also for being the first athlete from Winthrop University to earn this honor. Other recipients from the Big South Conference include Jaelyn Acker from Gardner-Webb, Chana Paxixe from High Point, Daniella Velez from Presbyterian, Zora Fray Chinn from USC Upstate, and Deborah Orianegbena from UNC Asheville.

The Legacy of Kay Yow

Kay Yow was not only a Hall of Fame basketball coach but also a cherished figure known for her success on the court and her commitment to serving others. Yow was a passionate advocate for the fight against cancers affecting women, emphasizing the importance of community support in this effort. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of athletes, reinforcing the concept of giving back and leading through service.

About the Award

The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award is presented annually and spans across 22 conferences at all competitive levels, including Division I, II, III, and JUCO. Honorees receive a commemorative patch to wear on their jerseys during the season of their selection, symbolizing their leadership and contributions to both their sport and community.

This recognition reflects a growing trend among collegiate athletics to highlight the importance of character, commitment, and service over mere athletic achievement. Coaches and institutions are increasingly acknowledging that the values instilled in student-athletes contribute not only to their success in sports but also to their roles as positive influencers in society.

Impact of the Award

The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award serves as a reminder of the impact that student-athletes can have beyond the playing field. Through service and leadership, honored individuals inspire their peers and communities, embodying the spirit of teamwork and dedication that Yow championed throughout her career. Williams’ receipt of this award sets a precedent for future Winthrop athletes, encouraging them to exemplify similar values in their pursuits.

Conclusion

The award received by Persais Williams not only highlights her exceptional qualities as a student-athlete but also reinforces the ongoing legacy of Kay Yow. It serves as an inspiration for future generations to embrace the values of leadership, service, and selflessness both on and off the court.

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Additional Resources

• Winthrop Eagles: Persais Williams Named Kay Yow Servant Leader Award Recipient
• Wikipedia: Kay Yow
• Winthrop Eagles: Women’s Basketball Announces 2023-24 Non-Conference Schedule
• Google Search: Kay Yow Servant Leader Award
• Winthrop Eagles: Women’s Basketball Begins Two-Game Homestand with Longwood

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