The 2025 Play4Kay t-shirt has the Methodist University mascot “King” wearing boxing gloves and ready to fight. It represents the entire MU community and its annual goal of walking alongside women in their battle against cancer and supporting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation: Friends of the Cancer Center.
The 2025 Play4Kay t-shirt has the Methodist University mascot “King” wearing boxing gloves and ready to fight. It represents the entire MU community and its annual goal of walking alongside women in their battle against cancer and supporting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation: Friends of the Cancer Center.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a university anywhere that puts forth more care, effort, and energy into its Play4Kay events. The events start weeks before the highlighted 5K Run/Walk and women’s basketball game (that features a survivor walk in front of a packed Riddle Center) on Feb. 15. While a fundraiser that showcases pink flamingos appearing across campus lasts the entire month, and there’s a P4K softball game later this month, some of the many other activities that support the efforts in the coming week include: Pink Bake Sale; Dodge Cancer Dodgeball Tournament; a Lunch & Learn ( different cancers affecting women); Chili Cookoff; Three-Point Shooting Contest; Flower Sale; and other gatherings and events.
“One of the many things I love about Play4Kay at MU is the community coming together for a great cause,” said Landon Faircloth, a sophomore Sport Management major. “As someone who has relatives affected by breast cancer, it means a lot to see the support, especially in a sports atmosphere.”
The 2025 season marks the 19th year the MU women’s basketball team has hosted a game in support of Play4Kay, which is named for Naismith Hall of Fame basketball coach Kay Yow who coached at N.C. State for more than 30 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, and died in 2009. That Methodist University continues this fight in support of cancer patients and survivors, is special and important to so many.
“My experience with MU started a year after my first round with breast cancer 2009, when I attended my first Play4Kay game,” said Vicki Watson, now a Play4Kay volunteer. “I felt wrapped with love from everyone at MU and I haven’t missed a game since. My mantra has always been, ‘I’m in it to end breast cancer!’”
Please visit the MU Play4Kay landing page for details about this year’s basketball game, the 5K run, how to support the cause through purchasing attire, and more. Also visit methodist.edu/events for the latest events and updates.