Virginia Tech’s basketball powerhouse, Elizabeth Kitley revealed that she’d be sitting out the 2024 NCAA Women’s Tournament due to a torn ACL. It is a devastating blow for both her and the team. This setback stemmed from an injury incurred during Virginia Tech’s regular-season finale on March 3, forcing her to miss the ACC tournament as well. Head coach Kenny Brooks confirmed the severity of the injury, noting that Kitley tore her ACL in the third quarter after executing a layup.
Taking to Instagram, Kitley expressed her disappointment, writing, “This is not at all how I anticipated ending this year with my team, but I’m so proud of all our accomplishments, and I’m excited to see my girls continue to compete.”
The news spread like wildfire across X, formerly Twitter and elicited a wave of disappointment from NCAA fans as they came to grips with the fact that Virginia Tech’s star player would be sidelined from the NCAA tournament due to her knee injury.
“Worst way to go out as a 5th year senior,” wrote one fan.
worst way to go out as a 5th year senior
— OG (@OG389) March 21, 2024
“There goes any chance VT had of winning,” wrote another fan.
There goes any chance VT had of winning.
— ǝᴉʞoHZ∀ (@AZHokie54) March 21, 2024
“It’s a torn ACL, ending the career of one of the best basketball players the ACC has ever seen. This sucks. But Liz Kitley has helped change the course of Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball. An absolute joy to know and watch this human! I know Elizabeth Kitley is about to be a hell of a cheerleader,” wrote a third fan.
It’s a torn ACL, ending the career of one of the best basketball players the ACC has ever seen.
This sucks. But Liz Kitley has helped change the course of @HokiesWBB. An absolute joy to know and watch this human! I know @elizabethkitley is about to be a hell of a cheerleader. https://t.co/8t1K8zNswF
— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) March 21, 2024
“Less than a month ago Hokie Nation was ready for another final four run…. Today we learn that Elizabeth Kitley is out for the season…. And Coach Brooks may be leaving….Unbelievable,” read one comment.
Less than a month ago Hokie Nation was ready for another final four run…. Today we learn that Elizabeth Kitley is out for the season…. And Coach Brooks may be leaving….
Unbelievable.
— Nathan Gray (@NategrayNHS) March 21, 2024
“I couldn’t think of a more brutal end to one of the most historical runs in Virginia Tech history than this one. It’s like dagger after dagger, right into the heart of Hokie Nation,” wrote a fifth fan.
I couldn’t think of a more brutal end to one of the most historical runs in Virginia Tech history than this one.
It’s like dagger after dagger, right into the heart of Hokie Nation. 💔🦃🏀
— Hokiology (@Hokiology) March 21, 2024
Here are a few more reactions:
“Devastated to hear this. But I know Elizabeth Kitley is SO strong and SO talented, and this Hokies WBB team is going to play for her. Praying for you, Liz! The future is STILL, so so bright!”
Devastated to hear this. But I know @elizabethkitley is SO strong and SO talented, and this @HokiesWBB team is going to play for her.
Praying for you, Liz! The future is STILL, so so bright! https://t.co/1s1SACpAcY
— Kelsey Riggs (@kelseyriggs) March 21, 2024
“I am so devastated for Liz. Truly breaks my heart. However, I am SO thankful for all she has done for women’s basketball at Virginia Tech. Truly one of the best to ever hear Hokies across her chest. Thank you, Elizabeth Kitley, get well soon!”
I am so devastated for Liz. Truly breaks my heart. However, I am SO thankful for all she has done for women’s basketball at Virginia Tech. Truly one of the best to ever hear Hokies across her chest. Thank you, @elizabethkitley! 🧡 get well soon!
— Logan Ross (@LRossVT) March 21, 2024
Elizabeth Kitley debuted during her freshman year (2019-2020) by scoring 27 points in her first game. Her performance throughout the season earned her the title of ACC Freshman of the Year along with a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
In her sophomore year, she was recognized as a First Team All-ACC member in 2021. As a junior (2022-2023), Elizabeth led her team to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. This season also saw her crowned ACC Player of the Year and earning honors like WBCA Coaches All-American and Second Team All-American (AP & USBWA).
Kitley shattered the Virginia Tech career scoring record in February 2023. Interestingly, she decided to return to Virginia Tech for a second senior year (2023-2024) instead of entering the WNBA draft.
