RALEIGH, N.C. – Longwood women's basketball junior guard Lili Booker has been named a recipient of the 2026-27 Kay Yow Servant Leader Award, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund announced Monday.
The full 2026-27 Servant Leader Class of upwards of 90 student-athletes across all levels of women's college basketball will be revealed by the organization in December and celebrated during a special event at the end of the season, where the fund will also name a Servant Leader of the Year. The recognition will honor one student-athlete whose impact and leadership stand out among this year's honorees.
Booker has volunteered to serve the communities of Farmville and her native Charlotte, N.C., selflessly. That includes assisting at FACES food pantry of Farmville and serving in the 2s and 3s room at Mecklenburg Community Church. She has also been a Big Sister at the Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte, while working at the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Charlotte, as well.
Booker has spent time with the residents at The Woodland assisted living facility in Farmville and also volunteers at Prince Edward County schools.
"Lili displays a servant's heart and is always willing to serve and give of her time whenever asked," Longwood head coach Erika Lang-Montgomery said. "She has a kind heart and an infectious personality that allows her to connect with others. Lili is a true ambassador for our program."
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was founded in honor of former NC State head coach Kay Yow, who had a 22-year battle with breast cancer before passing away in 2009. She helped set up the fund in 2007 to support advanced research, extend the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve the underserved and unite people.
As part of the fund's outreach, the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award was created in 2024 to honor student-athletes who best embody the characteristics of Coach Kay Yow – people with a servant's spirit and a commitment to selfless leadership both on and off the court and athletic field.
Recipients of the Servant Leader Award are people of great character who put the needs of others before their own, who uplift others and who do it with grace and humility. They are nominated by their coach and are people who exemplify Yow's spirit and who reflect her resolve, grace, generosity and servant's heart.
Winners display courage and strength and their first response is to give to others. They are people who have, or will make an impact in the fight against cancer – improving lives and giving hope.
Recipients will be recognized by a patch they wear on their uniform the year they win the award.
Booker has appeared in 52 games in two seasons at Longwood, averaging 4.5 points and 1.1 assists in 11.4 minutes per game.
