Flau’jae Johnson named inaugural Kay Yow Servant Leader of the Year

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Kay Yow Cancer Fund has named Savannah native, LSU women’s basketball standout Flau’jae Johnson the first-ever Kay Yow Servant Leader of the Year.

Selected from 66 Servant Leaders representing 23 conferences nationwide, the award recognizes the student-athlete whose leadership, service and overall impact rise above — including meaningful contributions to the fight against all cancers affecting women.

The award was presented Thursday by John and Sue Gibbs.

Johnson is being recognized for her extraordinary commitment to servant leadership, using her platform to support women and families facing cancer while uplifting her broader community through hands-on service and advocacy.

In honor of her impact, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund will award a $25,000 grant in her name supporting access to cancer care for under-resourced women in Baton Rouge and the surrounding area.

“Flau’jae represents exactly what this award stands for,” said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. “She competes at the highest level, but more importantly, she leads with heart. She understands her platform is bigger than basketball, and she uses it to make a real difference.”

Through LSU’s Play4Kay initiative, Johnson has done the following:

• Pledged $1 for every LSU student in attendance to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
• Hosted back-to-school giveback events
• Made a personal donation to expand mobile mammography access in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia
• Provided direct support to families through rent assistance, vehicle giveaways, and holiday shopping initiatives

“Flau’jae’s impact goes far beyond the court,” said Bob Starkey, LSU assistant coach and Kay Yow Cancer Fund board member. “She doesn’t serve for recognition. She serves because she genuinely cares. That’s what makes her special.”

The $25,000 grant gifted in her honor will support expanded access to preventative cancer screenings for breast, colorectal, and skin cancer for women in Louisiana.

Each year, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund recognizes women’s collegiate basketball players nominated by their coaches for exemplifying Coach Kay Yow’s values of leadership, integrity, selflessness, and service. The Servant Leader of the Year distinction represents the highest honor among those leaders.