Virginia Tech to retire Elizabeth Kitley's number next season
One of the top players to ever suit up for the Virginia Tech Hokies women’s basketball team is set to have her number retired next season. According to a recent announcement from the Hookies athletics department, Elizabeth Kitley will have her Number 33 jersey retired, and her career will be celebrated on what will be known as ‘Liz Kitley Night.’
Virginia Tech athletics did not wait long to honor not only one of the best players in program history but also one of the most decorated ones in ACC women’s basketball history. The three-time ACC Player of the Year also holds the conference record for career rebounds with 1506 and career double-doubles with 76.
The Hokies athletic director, Whit Babcock, recently announced the news about Kitley’s jersey retirement along with her honorary night. And in doing so, also highlighted what she has meant to Virginia Tech and Hokies athletics.
“Elizabeth’s impact on Virginia Tech and women’s basketball transcends statistics,” Babcock said. “Her passion, work ethic and character have left an enduring legacy that is inspiring the next generation. Retiring her jersey is a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the mark she has left on our women’s basketball program and the hearts of Hokie Nation.”
Kitley’s jersey retirement is a bit bittersweet as it comes on the heels of her final season which was abruptly ended following an ACL tear she suffered just ahead of the women’s basketball championship tournament. Virginia Tech did the best they could in the tournament without their reigning ACC player of the year but ultimately fell in the second round in a nail-biter to the No. 5 seed Baylor Bears.
Kitley is officially on her way to the WNBA but will likely miss her first year in the league as she recovers from her ACL injury. Her career at Virginia Tech includes starting and playing in 151 games, scoring 2709 career points (22.0 pg), 1506 rebounds (12.2 pg), 331 blocks (2.7 pg), and 222 assists (1.8).
As far as her career accolades go, the six-foot-six Summerfield, NC native has some 30-plus to her name, including the aforementioned three ACC Player of the Year awards. Before her injury, Kitley was widely considered to be locked in as a first-round pick in this year’s WNBA draft, given her successful career at Virginia Tech.