Where there is smoke there is fire. That was the case over the last week in regards to Kenny Brooks. Last week, rumors surfaced that the Virginia Tech women’s basketball coach had interviews for the opening at Kentucky before the NCAA Tournament began. Over the last couple of days, the rumors looked like they might become reality and that was the case Tuesday.
Virginia Tech announced, before Kentucky did, that Brooks was leaving for the same position in Lexington. After eight years in Blacksburg, Brooks will look to do with the Wildcats program what he did with the Hokies, turn them into a National Championship contender. What Brooks did in Blacksburg is nothing short of amazing, building a program and bringing them their first ACC Tournament Championship in 2023, their first-ever Final Four trip a few weeks later, and then the 2023-24 ACC regular season championship.
Following the news of Brooks leaving for Kentucky, fans took to social media,
WHY US? We showed up. We were the best fans in the country. WHY?
— JT (@jxntate) March 26, 2024
That was a fun run - Kenny made WBB must-see television at Virginia Tech. He deserves every bit of funding possible to make a run at a natty. Unfortunately for us, it can't be with the Hokies with our $ deficiency. We're all in for football, and that's simply how it has to be.
— օ×ѵէ (@OX_VT) March 26, 2024
He’ll always be King Kenny to me. Thank you for all you did for @HokiesWBB ♥️ pic.twitter.com/p47QFE090c
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) March 26, 2024
Thanks for the Memories https://t.co/863TIHHVUL pic.twitter.com/O3qcaJYSKz
— Andrew Alix (@AndrewAlixRadio) March 26, 2024
We'll miss you, @CoachBrooksVT !
— Cassell Guard (@CassellGuardVT) March 26, 2024
One of a kind🧡🤎 https://t.co/OiXH7SDOCq
Not all fans were happy, however.
Man was actively interviewing for another job while his team was preparing for the NCAA Tournament, but y’all are mad at Whit? pic.twitter.com/Z1uDl4f8PE
— Blayne Fink (@BlayneFink) March 26, 2024
He did what was best for his family.
— Hokie Josh (@Joshpozvt) March 26, 2024
With that being said, this feels like betrayal. His entire time here he's gawked about how he never wanted to leave and how he hopes he finishes his career here. All that goes down the drain when a pay raise is offered up. https://t.co/eWBHbyAco1
How could anyone not see this coming? A deal like this does not get done in 3 days. How could you not secure one of the best coaches in women's basketball? Sad day in Blacksburg.
— Cherokee73 (@candorman) March 26, 2024
Beyond disappointed 😔
— Karen 🧡🦃♥️🏀 (@karen_worzel) March 26, 2024
Brooks leaves behind an era with Elizabeth Kitley and Georgia Amoore that will go unmatched at Virginia Tech for women’s basketball. Not only did they succeed on the court, but they became a part of the community and won the hearts of all the fans.