Friday morning, the news Virginia Tech fans were fearing became reality. Elizabeth Kitley announced on her Instagram page that a knee injury suffered on March 3 will keep her from playing in the NCAA Tournament beginning Friday afternoon. Moments later, Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks confirmed that she was going to be out and said it was an ACL injury she suffered.
Kitley will go down as one of the, if not the best, to ever wear a Virginia Tech uniform and should have her number hanging from Cassell Coliseum in the not-too-distant future. Following the news, Virginia Tech fans took to social media to honor her and everything she has accomplished in Blacksburg.
There will never be another 33.
— Sons of Saturday Podcast (@SonsofSatVT) March 21, 2024
Her impact on the community, the league, and the sport as a whole is unparalleled.
One of the best to ever do it wearing the maroon and orange in any sport. #Hokies #Retire33 https://t.co/oYDXLPE39z pic.twitter.com/PqJcb2wUBV
This week I heard from several friends I hadn't heard from in years. They had gone to VT women's basketball games and their kids had gotten to meet Liz Kitley. They didn't talk for a single second about jump shots, passes or rebounds. They went on and on about how gracious she… pic.twitter.com/1rHZpSXqD7
— Dave Scarangella (@DaveScarangella) March 21, 2024
Liz Kitley is a role model for what being a student athlete should be. She has excelled on the court, in the classroom and overall is a great human. If you have daughters, you want them to be like Liz Kitley #Retire33 https://t.co/KCOKHO9k5J
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) March 21, 2024
#Retire33 the best do ever do it 🫡🧡 we love you Lizzie @elizabethkitley
— Aisha Sheppard (@____blessed2) March 21, 2024
Kitley acknowledged on her X page the support she was getting from Hokies fans, which prompted even more wonderful messages.
Liz thank you for being the person you are. Life doesn’t always work out exactly as we plan it. God has that plan and he will see you through it every step of the way! Watching you play is a pleasure. Here’s to happy healing ❤️🩹 and feeling 100% 💯 #GoHokies #GoLiz #33 🦃🏀💯🔥😊
— Tracy Lee (@TDL4VT) March 21, 2024
Thank you for five wonderful years. You definitely deserve all of the accolades and awards you have received. Best wishes for a successful recovery!
— Gail Patterson (@Great_Aunt_Gail) March 21, 2024
You mean everything to Blacksburg. Seriously, thank you for everything you gave to this school.
— Jim (@BigJim__11) March 21, 2024
Syracuse coach Felisha Legget-Jack, who was the 2023-24 ACC Coach of the Year, sent respect Kitley's way as did fans of other schools and fanbases.
Liz, our Orange Nation heart breaks for you! ALL that you’ve done for our ACC Conference has been second to none! You are first class in every category. We pray for a speedy recovery and a long Pro Career for you. 🙏🏽🍊
— Felisha Legette-Jack (@CuseCoachJack) March 21, 2024
I am an Iowa alum. I have admired your play the past year. Wishing you the very best. One of my favorite quotes is “this too shall pass”. Hang in there! You are strong and will get through this.
— Barbara Chiles (@CampNewaygo9yrs) March 21, 2024
From a UNC fan. That really sucks! I enjoy watching you play. See in the W, when you get back!
— kDot2 (@thelovemusicxp) March 21, 2024
My younger sister is a huge fan of yours she also made me a fan of yours the last couple of years. She is heartbroken over your injury. She had a blast when she met you at Carmichael Arena in February. What a great career you had in college. Thanks for being great #33
— Levi Hansen (@LeviHansen11) March 21, 2024
Hawkeye wishes for recovery and congratulations on a fabulous career!
— Iowa Patriot (@HawkeyeFederal1) March 21, 2024
What Elizabeth Kitley has done for Virginia Tech and women's basketball is something that very few can do. She will go down as an all-time great and three-time ACC Player of the Year, along with leading the Hokies to their first ever Final Four in 2023. We just wish it ended on a better note.