Thursday morning, Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks made an official announcement at the beginning of his day-before media press conference that the Hokies' All-American center Liz Kitley will not play in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
“Elizabeth Kitley will not participate in the NCAA Tournament this year due to a lower leg injury that she suffered on March 3.” Kenny Brooks told reporters in Thursday’s press conference.
The March 3rd date Brooks alluded to came in Virginia Tech's final regular season game of the season. The Hokies lost to rival Virginia 80-75 in John Paul Jones arena. Kitley was hurt on a transition fast break in which she went up to score a basket over Virginia’s Taylor Lauterbach and stumbled while converting the and-one basket late in the third quarter.
After a replay from multiple angles, it was confirmed to be a non-contact lower leg injury and 18 days later, Brooks gave confirmation of it being ACL related.
“She tore her ACL and so now she will get to the point where she will rehab.” Brooks stated.
The Hokies were without the services of Kitley for the ACC Tournament. While Tech was able to get by Miami in the quarterfinals 55-47, the Hokies suffered a blowout loss to Notre Dame 82-53 in the semifinals to end their stay in Greensboro earlier than they would have liked. Certainly, life without Kitley for Tech women’s basketball hasn’t been easy.
“It hasn’t been as easy as you might think. Emotionally it’s been one of the most trying couple weeks of my life," Brooks said. “To have everything going for you and then to have it taken away in an instant is devastating. It’s been the hardest two weeks I’ve ever had coaching.”
For Kitley, watching from the sidelines in not only the ACC Tournament but the Hokies practice before their NCAA Tournament first round matchup versus Marshall has had its fair share of challenges as well.
“We probably text each other 30 times per day,” Brooks said. “That kid has put everything into this and she’s the reason we are here. The kid ate, slept, and drank Hokie basketball.”
While Brooks didn’t elaborate whether or not Kitley has gone through surgery on her torn ACL or how long Tech has known that fact, he did offer insight on how the Hokies have been supporting Kitley through these tough times.
“So we are praying for her and her mental health right now. She’s still a part of what we do and she’s big in what we’ve done.” Brooks said.
Brooks, when asked about any surgery and the importance of protecting Kitley’s mental health, had this to say as well.
“It’s not that important because we’re trying to protect her mentally. I’ve been making sure she is ok because it’s been tough for her. That’s all that matters to me.” Brooks said.
While Kitley won’t have the chance to help Tech in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, her legacy has been cemented as the greatest player in program history. With three ACC Player of the Year awards to her name and countless other accolades, Kitley will always be remembered for her greatness in a maroon and orange jersey.
“Our heart goes out to her and what she has done for this program and everything she will continue to do with her legacy. Our prayers are out to her.” Brooks said.
