Virginia Tech women’s basketball fans react to recent Hokie headlines

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — On Thursday, March 21, Virginia Tech Coach Kenny Brooks announced the Hokie women’s basketball center Elizabeth Kitley has injured her left ACL and will not be competing in the rest of the NCAA championship. Kitley has been sitting out of games since she hurt her knee against the University of Virginia on March 3.

Fans tell WFXR that Kitley is the heart and soul of the team – keeping it together. They say she is a formidable force on the court with her rebounds and lap-ups and she truly embodies the Hokie spirit. Without her, they say they are hopeful but nervous for the NCAA tournament.

“I mean I hope that we do well but it’s not encouraging that this happened this season,” said Hannah Campsie, a Virginia Tech student.

“I am just extremely devastated she’s not going to be able to play. Her and Georgia are one of the best one-two punches in the country. I really think that we can still make a great run, but obviously, this is a huge loss for us and we’re – the whole town—is just really devastated,” said Jack Lamoree, another student.

Kitley has posted to her Instagram saying this wasn’t how she expected the end of this year to go but is proud of the team’s accomplishments so far and she is excited to see her team compete.

That, however, was not the only thing that had the Virginia Tech basketball world abuzz on Thursday. Reports coming out of Kentucky say the eight-year head coach of the Hokies, Kenny Brooks may have interviewed for the open position as the Wildcats head coach. Brooks responded to those rumors at a press conference.

ORIGNAL REPORTING: Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley out of NCAA Tournament due to injury

“That’s why I’m not on Twitter anymore. I still have my account, but I don’t, I don’t do it. Like, right now, there is a lot of speculation and talking and whatever. Obviously, if you have success people are interested, but again, my focus is on what we’re doing right now, how we’re doing it. My kids are the most important thing to me. I have not heard that or the radio host or whoever you’re talking about, but right now I’m about to go to practice and we’re going to go out here and Marshall is the only thing on my mind other than the Hokies,” said Brooks.

Fans say while they’d rather keep Coach Brooks in the ‘Burg’ if rumors are true, they’re hoping for the best.

“You know everyone switches around and they take the best opportunities for them but I hope he stays but if he doesn’t all the best for him cause he’s been great for tech,” said Liam Odriscoll, a student at Virginia Tech.

If he does lead in the other direction, you can’t be too mad at it,” Lamoree reasoned as well.

Despite Kitley’s injury and rumors of the future, Tech fans are still holding out for the rest of the season.

“I’m optimistic. I just hope for the best,” Campsie said.

I’m really excited, I have a lot of optimism and yeah just looking forward to March Madness,” Odriscoll said.

The next Hokie Women’s basketball game is on Friday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m. against Marshall University.

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