Virginia Tech women's basketball coach Kenny Brooks gives ultimate praise to Elizabeth Kitley

During Thursday afternoon’s 76-43 win over William & Mary at Cassell Coliseum, Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks spoke about a lot of things, including center Elizabeth Kitley and why not? During the win over the Tribe, Kitley became the Virginia Tech and ACC career leader in rebounds with 1,304, surpassing former Hokie Regan Magarity.

Following the game, Brooks, who collected his 500th career coaching win Sunday night at Rutgers, spoke about Kitley and the impact she’s had in Blacksburg following a 23-point, 17-rebound effort against William & Mary.

“Well, they should retire her jersey, while she’s here,’’ said Brooks. “If there is going to be a statue, it should be here for her. I say it, I’m biased, but everyone needs to step back and understand what she does. Every time she catches the ball, there’s two or three people around her. Two or three people every time, she never gets one-on-one. If she ever got one-on-one, she would get… Florida Gulf Coast played here one-on-one and she scored 42. When people play her one-on-one, she’s unstoppable.

“So what we’re witnessing is greatness because she’s getting 23, 25, 30 points all while being double and triple-teamed. That’s why we’ve got to really understand her greatness and what she’s been able to do.’’

He’s correct, what Kitley does on a nightly basis is pretty incredible. William & Mary double-teamed her on nearly every possession in the first half and the Hokies did not hit shots from the outside and made it easier for defenders to double her. She still managed a first-half double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. 

Kitley led Virginia Tech to the Final Four last March and what she has been able to accomplish in her time as a Hokie is nothing short of greatness. Her number will be hanging from the rafters soon enough, but if Brooks had his way, it would be hung as soon as possible.