Senior Marta Suárez of the California women's basketball team has been named one of 15 college women's basketball players to receive the inaugural Kay Yow Servant Leader Award. Named after the late Coach Yow who inspired others to get involved in the fight against cancer during her 22-year battle with breast cancer, the award honors student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness and service in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
 
Recipients of the award, according to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, are those that "best embody the characteristics of Coach Yow – people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court and athletic field."
 
Despite losing her mother to cancer prior to arriving to Cal, Suárez consistently demonstrates her commitment to community engagement through various impactful initiatives. For the last two years she has volunteered at Sylvia Mendez Elementary, supporting bilingual first-graders with language skills, and mentors a newcomer student at KIPP Bridge Academy, helping them learn English. Most recently, she participated in the East Oakland Pride Schoolyard Build with the Eat. Learn. Play. organization, helping to rebuild and paint a playground alongside her teammates.
 
"Marta is a model of strength, compassion and servant leadership day in and day out," Cal head coach Charmin Smith said. "She goes beyond her role as a student-athlete, dedicating time to mentoring young students and participating in community service projects. Marta turned personal tragedy into a mission to uplift others, making her a truly deserving recipient. She serves not for recognition but from a deep desire to make a difference."
 
As a recipient of the award, Suárez will wear a special patch on her jersey during the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
 
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