Kyra Elzy, Rhyne Howard Want to Reconnect With Fans this Season

There’s no way around it, last year was a strange one. There was seemingly a disconnect between Kentucky fans and their Wildcats. Rest assured, Kyra Elzy and Rhyne Howard don’t plan on letting this happen again.

Not only do the ‘Cats plan on fixing the issue, but they plan on flipping it on its head. Coach Elzy spoke to KSR about her expectations from the fans this season and likewise, what the fans can expect from them.

“Our goal is to sell 5,000 season tickets. I want to pack Memorial Coliseum,” Elzy said. “We are an exciting team. This is a team you want to get behind now. Come out and join in on the fun. We want to make sure that we make our community proud.”

In other words, Kentucky fans need to get their hands on tickets as soon as possible. With last season’s fan attendance being capped at 15% of the arena’s capacity, arena seats are just begging to be sat in.

Nonetheless, Elzy envisions this team doing more than just winning ball games. The second-year head coach and company have traveled throughout the state this offseason to engage with fans. Elzy has used this “Give Back Tour” as a chance to further her visions for the program.

Thank you Oldham County!

It was amazing getting to finish the #ElzyEra Give Back Tour in Coach Elzy’s hometown with so many energetic future Wildcats!#BBN @UKCoachLZ pic.twitter.com/r6RSiC2Mng

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) July 31, 2021

“We want the opportunity to make sure we are leading with a servant’s heart. We have the ability and platform to inspire, impact, and influence not only in our community but in the state of Kentucky; which is really imperative for this program.”

Elzy isn’t alone in her desire to reignite the wildfire that is the Kentucky fanbase. Rhyne Howard, the Wildcats’ star player, spoke about what BBN means to her.

“I just want to say thank you for all the support they’ve given us. Even through a tough year, they were still there and very consistent and believing in us,” Howard said.

If fans liked the team last season, they’re going to love them this season. With six of Kentucky’s top eight scorers returning, there will be plenty of familiar faces in blue and white.

More importantly, these returning ‘Cats will be bringing back memories of last season to use as motivation. Although Kentucky had a solid season, players like Howard feel like they have a lot more left to give.

“What you can expect is another great year, even better than last year. We’re not trying to disappoint anybody,” Howard said. “We’re going to work hard and we’re going to give our best every time we step on the floor.”

Can you really ask for anything else? While Kentucky’s 2020-21 season may have had some valleys, the 2021-2022 season has potential for plenty of peaks. If fans own up to their side of the bargain by filling up the seats at Memorial Coliseum, the Wildcats may give them one heck of a show in return.