It’s been 11 months since Elizabeth Kitley, a star for Virginia Tech women’s basketball, saw her career in Blacksburg come to an end with an injury during the regular season finale last March at Virginia. At that time, the full extent of her injury wasn’t clear, but former coach Kenny Brooks confirmed she was out for the ACC Tournament.
It wasn’t until just before the Hokies hosted the Blacksburg Regional that Kitley was officially ruled out of the NCAA Tournament, effectively marking the end of her collegiate career. She was later diagnosed with a torn ACL, and faced a long recovery journey to return to playing at the professional level. Despite the setback, Kitley’s dream wasn’t derailed, as she was still drafted into the WNBA last April.
It’s been 11 months since Elizabeth Kitley, the standout player for Virginia Tech women’s basketball, saw her career in Blacksburg cut short by an injury in the regular season finale last March against Virginia. At the time, the specifics of her injury were unknown, but former coach Kenny Brooks confirmed that she would miss the ACC Tournament.
It wasn’t until just before the Hokies were set to host the Blacksburg Regional that she was officially ruled out of the NCAA Tournament, which marked the end of her college career. Kitley had suffered a torn ACL and faced a lengthy recovery to pursue her goal of continuing her playing career in the WNBA. Despite this setback, she was still drafted into the WNBA last April, showing her resilience.
It’s exciting to see Elizabeth Kitley back on the court, working her way back into game shape as she prepares for the upcoming season this spring and summer. Given her skill set, she should transition smoothly from college to the professional level, especially with one of the top organizations in the WNBA.
Last month, Virginia Tech honored Kitley by retiring her No. 33 jersey at Cassell Coliseum during the Hokies’ 70-65 ACC win over Louisville. The decision to retire her number, announced last April, was undoubtedly the right one, and it was something Hokies fans had been hoping for since the season ended.
Kitley’s first regular-season WNBA game is set for Saturday, May 17, against the Liberty in New York at 3 p.m. ET at Barclays Center. It’s going to be a game Virginia Tech fans will definitely be watching with anticipation.
