NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt women’s basketball senior Jada Brown was selected as a recipient of the 2025-26 Kay Yow Servant Leader Award. The award recognizes student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness and service, embodying the Hall of Fame basketball coach Kay Yow.
Brown is joined by several other women’s basketball players across the nation. Award recipients are distinguished by a special patch on their game-worn jerseys, symbolizing their role as servant leaders. The patch embodies the character traits of Kay Yow – uplifting, powerful, drawing strength and giving it to others.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award honors Yow’s legacy and the young people who carry the fight forward, inspiring others through their actions and leadership. It is presented annually to student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to making a positive impact in their communities – people with a servant’s spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court or athletic field. Kay Yow battled breast cancer for 22 years, inspiring individuals with her compassion, passion and integrity. She was admired for her character on and off the court.
“We are so proud of Jada Brown for being recognized as a Kay Yow Servant Leader award winner this season,” said Vanderbilt women’s basketball head coach Shea Ralph. “It has been a privilege for our entire program to witness Jada’s genuine commitment to her faith, her family and her community day in and day out. Her words and actions are beautifully aligned with a strong and humble dedication to growth, both for herself and for those whose lives she impacts.
“She is an incredible steward for Vanderbilt University in many ways, and especially by being diligent and accomplished in the classroom, being an exemplary teammate, and building a national reputation as a leader in the women’s basketball community. Jada’s strength in overcoming adversity is best recognized with this award – no matter the peak or valley in Jada’s life, she is always putting others first. We are truly blessed to have Jada Brown as a member of our program and family, and we are thrilled to celebrate her as a Kay Yow Servant Leader today and every day.”
The Bentonville, Arkansas, native heads into her fourth season with Vanderbilt, where she has developed into a leader on and off the court for the Commodores. She has helped the Dores earn an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons, marking the first time Vandy has registered consecutive March Madness bids since earning 15-straight bids from 1999-2014. Brown has developed a strong social media following during her time at Vanderbilt, as she generated 5.6 million likes on TikTok and has gained 107.3k followers.
The introduction of this award strengthens the Kay Yow Cancer Fund organization’s commitment to fostering a spirit of service and leadership, values that were core to Coach Yow’s life and career.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on Dec. 3, 2007, fulfilling Yow’s vision to support advanced research, extend the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve the underserved, and unite people. To learn more, visit kayyow.com.
2025-26 season tickets are now on sale at VUCommodores.com. Fans can purchase season tickets by clicking the link here.
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