Breaking News: Tennessee Lady Vols to Honor Breast Cancer Survivors in Play4Kay Game Against Auburn.

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers (Lady Vols) women’s basketball team is set to host the Auburn Tigers on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (5:30 p.m. Central Time) at the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. This game is particularly significant as it serves as the annual Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness Game, a tradition that honors the late Coach Kay Yow and raises awareness for all cancers affecting women. citeturn0search1

Background of the Play4Kay Initiative

The Play4Kay initiative was established in honor of Coach Kay Yow, the former head coach of the North Carolina State University women’s basketball team, who passed away from breast cancer in 2009. The movement unites players, coaches, officials, and fans to raise awareness and funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, which supports research for all cancers affecting women. citeturn0search2

Game Details

• Date and Time: Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT)
• Location: Food City Center, Knoxville, Tennessee
• Broadcast Information: The game will be streamed on SECN+ and broadcast on Lady Vol Network radio stations. Audio streaming is available on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Channels 106 & 190). citeturn0search4

Team Overview

The Lady Vols enter the game with a season record of 17-6 and a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record of 4-6. They are coming off a narrow 82-77 loss to the LSU Tigers on February 9, 2025. Despite the setback, the Lady Vols have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, facing several top-ranked teams. citeturn0search5

Auburn’s Tigers hold a season record of 12-12 and an SEC record of 3-8. While they have faced challenges this season, Auburn remains a formidable opponent with a history of competitive play in the SEC.

Key Players to Watch

• Talaysia Cooper (Tennessee): The redshirt sophomore guard has been a standout for the Lady Vols, averaging 17.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. She has been recognized on several prestigious watch lists, including the John R. Wooden, Naismith, and Ann Meyers Drysdale Player of the Year Watch Lists, as well as the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List. citeturn0search4
• Ruby Whitehorn (Tennessee): The junior guard recently surpassed 1,000 career points, reaching the milestone with a layup against LSU. Whitehorn has been a consistent scorer for the Lady Vols, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts. citeturn0search5

Significance of the Game

Beyond the competitive aspect, this game holds profound significance as it serves as the Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness Game. The Lady Vols will wear white uniforms trimmed in pink to honor those affected by breast cancer and all cancers impacting women. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, supporting research and initiatives dedicated to combating these diseases. citeturn0search1

Community and Fan Engagement

The Play4Kay game is more than just a basketball matchup; it is a community event that brings together fans, survivors, and supporters in the fight against cancer. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink and participate in various activities designed to honor cancer warriors and raise funds for research. The Lady Vols have a strong tradition of community involvement, and this event exemplifies their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.

Looking Ahead

Following the Play4Kay game, the Lady Vols will continue their home stand with upcoming matchups against Ole Miss on Sunday, February 16, and Alabama on Thursday, February 20. These games are crucial as the Lady Vols aim to improve their SEC standing and prepare for the postseason. citeturn0search3

Conclusion

The upcoming game against Auburn is a pivotal moment for the Tennessee Lady Vols, combining athletic competition with a meaningful cause. As they don their white and pink uniforms, the team not only competes for victory but also stands united in the fight against cancer, honoring the legacy of Coach Kay Yow and supporting the ongoing efforts to find a cure.

For a visual preview of the Play4Kay initiative and its impact, you can watch the following video:

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