ROCK HILL, S.C. -- Winthrop University women's basketball sophomore guard/forward Persais Williams was named a recipient of the Kay Yow Servant Leader award on Friday afternoon, head coach Semeka Randal Lay announced. 

The Kay Yow Servant Leader award is a distinguished honor recognizing student-athletes who embody the ideals of leadership, selflessness, and service helping to carry forward the legacy of legendary women's basketball coach Kay Yow. 

Williams becomes the first Eagle to be honored with the award, joining fellow Big South members Gardner-Webb's Jaelyn Acker, High Point's Chana Paxixe, Presbyterian's Daniella Velez, USC Upstate's Zora Fray Chinn, and UNC Asheville's Deborah Orianegbena.  

Coach Kay Yow, Hall of Fame basketball coach and namesake of the Fund, was admired not only for her remarkable success on the court but also for her compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving others. She sought to inspire people to join the fight against all cancers affecting women, a cause that touches every one of us, and she believed in the strength of the sports community of coaches, players, officials, and fans to push that mission forward. 

The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Coach Yow's legacy and the young people who continue her mission, those who lead by example, uplift others, and embody the spirit of selfless service. Presented each year, the award recognizes student-athletes who show exceptional dedication to making a positive impact in their communities, both on and off the field or court. 

This year the award spans 22 conferences across all levels of competition, including Division I, II, III, and JUCO. Listed below are the honorees from your conference, each recognized as a Servant Leader and distinguished by a commemorative patch they will wear on their jersey during the season of their selection.