Things were thrilling back when Matthew Mitchell brought energy and showmanship to Big Blue Madness with his memorable dances and led the Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team to unprecedented success in the NCAA Tournament. However, Mitchell stepped down, and AD Mitch Barnhart promoted associate head coach Kyra Elzy.
In her first season, Elzy led the Cats to an 18-9 record and an NCAA Tournament win, but things became more challenging in year two. Despite having All-American Rhyne Howard, the team started 9-11 before pulling off a six-game win streak and an SEC Tournament title to even get to the NCAA tournament. The season ended in a first-round NCAA exit. Still, Barnhart saw promise, rewarding Elzy with a contract extension through 2027.
Unfortunately, the momentum didn’t carry forward. The following two seasons brought back-to-back losing records (12-19 and 12-20), ultimately leading to Elzy’s departure. Enter Kenny Brooks
Kenny Brooks' entrance at Big Blue Madness 🔥 @KentuckyWBB pic.twitter.com/Iti5Gss3P1
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 11, 2024
Man, I want that jacket. Brooks brings an impressive coaching pedigree to Kentucky. Kenny started his head coaching career at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to a record of 337–122 and led the team to six NCAA tournament appearances. Moving on to Virginia Tech, he continued to shine, guiding the Hokies to a 180–82 record and making a Final Four appearance just two years ago.
Brooks had seven new transfers come into Kentucky for this season. One of the most exciting additions is All-American point guard Georgia Amoore, who followed Brooks from Virginia Tech. Amoore averaged 18 points and six assists per game last year and is already on the Naismith Player of the Year preseason watch list.
Do not disturb. 🌙@georgia_amoore pic.twitter.com/2oTd88DY0u
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) September 30, 2024
The arrival of the new staff and players sparked excitement among the Big Blue Nation, with Cats fans embracing this new era by selling out reserved season tickets for the first time in school history (over 3,000 tickets).
Cats fans immediately welcomed the new era of women's basketball, as reserved season tickets sold out (over 3000 tickets) for the first time in school history.
The new-look Lady Cats tip off their season Monday at 5 PM against USC Upstate, setting up an exciting UK double feature with the men’s team following at 7 PM. Fans can catch the women’s game on the ESPN+ app right here and witness the latest chapter in Kentucky women's basketball.
Are you ready for the new era of men's and women's basketball, and will you be swinging the UK double header tomorrow?