For Tennessee State's Amiyah Ferguson, Play 4 Kay represents far more than pink jerseys and pregame ceremonies. It's a moment rooted in family, resilience, and playing for something bigger than basketball.

"Play 4 Kay means a lot to me," Ferguson said. "Just knowing there are so many women in the world who have dealt with breast cancer — not only my cousin — makes you want to go out there and give everything you have. Me and my teammates are playing for something bigger than ourselves."

That deeper meaning comes from her connection to her cousin, Freda. More than family, Freda has been a constant presence in Ferguson's life — someone she describes as another mother figure.

"She's my older cousin, but her and my mom have been close for years," Ferguson shared. "She was always around, always laughing. She's always been there for me — basketball games, birthday parties, everything."

When Freda began her battle with breast cancer, Ferguson watched firsthand what perseverance truly looks like.

"Her journey really shaped my perspective on life and basketball," she said. "Whenever she got her results, she had the same approach to life as before. She just kept going."

That mindset has stayed with Ferguson, especially during Play 4 Kay. As she takes the court in pink, her focus shifts beyond the scoreboard.

"Playing this sport on this day is bigger than myself and bigger than any goal I've set," she said.

Throughout Freda's fight, Ferguson's family rallied together, creating a support system built on love and presence.

"Everyone always checked in," she recalled. "Calling daily, asking how her appointments went, and allowing her a safe space to be vulnerable."

From that experience came one lasting lesson: keep going.

"Life may throw curveballs, but you should always keep going and keep fighting," Ferguson said.

That message echoes in how she competes. In difficult moments on the court, Ferguson often thinks of Freda.

"Sí," she said with a smile. "Because of how hard she fought. If she can fight that hard against cancer, then I can fight just as hard for something I love doing."

She honors Freda through her effort — both in basketball and in everyday life.

"With how hard I play," Ferguson said. "Always showing effort and fight in daily life."

Her personal journey has shaped her into a more resilient competitor and leader.

"I've always had to be resilient," she said. "I've faced different obstacles, but nothing is permanent. You just keep showing up and working to fight the battles life brings you."

Play 4 Kay brings an added sense of purpose.

"On a day-to-day basis, I play for myself and my family," Ferguson explained. "But when this comes, I play for all the women in the world who have dealt with cancer."

That perspective has also influenced how she supports those around her, leading with grace and motivation as she pours into her teammates and community.

For Ferguson, representing Tennessee State during Play 4 Kay is especially meaningful.

"It means a lot that the school I play for puts a focus on a cause I care so much about," she said.

She hopes her story encourages others to show compassion and selflessness.

"Always be a listening ear," Ferguson shared. "Make sure you're showing that you care, because you never know what someone is going through."

Beyond game day, she encourages fans and students to stay involved.

"Donating money and talking about it," she said. "It's not a bad thing to talk about."

As Ferguson continues her journey in blue and white, Play 4 Kay serves as a reminder that basketball can be a platform for something far greater — a way to honor loved ones, uplift communities, and keep fighting, together.