On Feb. 3, the New Trier High School girls basketball team traded its usual blue and green for pink and white uniforms, turning the gym into a sea of pink, decorated with balloons, banners, and ribbons for their Play4Kay pink out. The event honored the legendary North Carolina State University (NC State) basketball coach Kay Yow, who passed away from breast cancer, bringing together students, families, and staff in support of cancer research initiatives. 

New Trier secured a 57-27 blowout win against Highland Park High School by the end of the night. With a score of 20-5 at the end of the first quarter, the team maintained its lead consistently throughout all four quarters, dominating the entire game. 

Play4Kay is a nationwide initiative held by girls’ and women’s basketball programs to honor Kay Yow, a Hall of Fame coach who led NC State for decades. What began as a breast-cancer awareness effort has since expanded to support research for all types of cancer. Each year, teams across college, high school, and professional levels dedicate games to the cause and to raise money.

For varsity head coach Stephanie Kuzmanic, the night marked a new tradition for the program. Although it’s her first year as head coach, she previously organized Play4Kay events while coaching at Illinois State University. Drawing from those experiences, she helped shape this year’s fundraiser, from promotion to donation efforts to the organization of the game itself. 

“I would say it’s about focusing less on the game and more on why we’re doing it, what it stands for, and how we can give back to the community,” Kuzmanic said. “Of course it’s fun to wear pink bows and uniforms, but cancer awareness—knowing that it’s bigger than basketball—is what’s really important.”

The energy and atmosphere inside the gym reflected that message. Students filled the bleachers dressed in pink, cheering on the team each time they scored, and encouraging players with chants. Pink streamers hung from railings and a large sign reading “Play4Kay” covered one of the walls. With a DJ, raffle, bake sale, and T-shirt sales filling out the entrance, the fundraiser made a total of $3,336.

Senior captain Avery Schecter emphasized the historical and personal importance of the team’s participation in the event.

“[Kay Yow] made a really, really big impact on the whole program, and grew women’s basketball at a time when women’s sports weren’t really appreciated,” Schecter said. “It’s really big for us to be able to support just such a wonderful foundation that’s helped so many.”

For many of the players, the energy in the gym served as motivation to play. For junior Vic Wainscott, the crowd, purpose, and team’s dynamic is what made the night memorable. 

“It’s just a big game and it’s a great time to raise money,” Wainscott said. “I love my teammates, and I’m sad [the season] is coming to an end.”

Beyond the outcome of the game, it was a way to showcase the effect the community had in supporting the cause. Through ticket sales, donations to the foundation, and student involvement, the event was able to accomplish its mission, while giving players a chance to be a part of something meaningful, especially as the season comes to a close.

“It’s more of a college [event], so for us to participate and know that the money that we’re trying to raise goes directly to such a great cause is such a cool thing to be a part of,” Schecter said.