DePaul University Athletics
DePaul’s Michelle Ojo Honored as Kay Yow Servant Leader
10/27/2025 1:11:00 PM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, DEVELOPING & EQUIPPING FUTURE LEADERS
CHICAGO – DePaul graduate forward Michelle Ojo has been selected as a recipient of the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. The honor recognizes student-athletes who exemplify the values of leadership, selflessness, and service, qualities that embody Hall of Fame basketball coach Kay Yow.
Ojo joins a distinguished group of women's basketball players from across the nation, including fellow BIG EAST honoree Sarah Strong of UConn. Each recipient will wear a special patch on their game jersey, symbolizing their role as servant leaders. The patch reflects the spirit of Coach Yow, uplifting, powerful, and grounded in strength through giving.
In her first season with the Blue Demons, Ojo is poised to make an impact both on and off the court. The Virginia Beach, Va. native has quickly immersed herself in the DePaul community, serving as Inclusion & Belonging Committee Chair on the Blue Demons' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This fall, she has also given back by helping distribute meals at the Elizabeth Ann Seton Food Pantry. Ojo earned her bachelor's degree in public health from the University of Delaware and is pursuing a master's degree in DePaul's College of Science and Health.
The introduction of the Servant Leader Award underscores the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's commitment to fostering a spirit of service and leadership, values that defined Coach Yow's life and career.
Founded on Dec. 3, 2007, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund fulfills Yow's vision to support advanced cancer research, improve quality of life for those battling the disease, serve the underserved, and unite people in the fight. Learn more at kayyow.com.
