The last two weeks have been a whirlwind for Virginia Tech women’s basketball, marked by significant changes and emotions for both the team and its supporters.
It has been 14 days since the team’s exit from the NCAA Tournament, a heartbreaking 75-72 defeat to Baylor at Cassell Coliseum. The aftermath of that loss hinted at impending changes for the program, especially with the end of Elizabeth Kitley’s career due to a knee injury suffered earlier in March.
Rumors started circulating before the tournament that head coach Kenny Brooks had interviewed for a position at Kentucky, though he remained silent on the matter during press conferences. This silence hinted at potential developments, which were confirmed post-Baylor loss as major shifts unfolded within the program.
Several underlying storylines emerged during this tumultuous period:
1. The Baylor loss marked the end of an era for a roster that had shown potential for national success, especially after winning the ACC Tournament Championship in 2023. However, setbacks like Kitley’s injury and losses in crucial games altered the trajectory, leading to the closure of this chapter with the defeat against Baylor.
2. Kenny Brooks’ departure to Kentucky was a significant development, with rumors turning out to be true as he took on the challenge of revitalizing the Wildcats program. His move comes after the Hokies experienced a season of highs and lows, facing formidable opponents in the ACC and national stages.
These events have reshaped the landscape of Virginia Tech women’s basketball, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports and the resilience required to navigate through such transitions.