Elizabeth Kitley could have been a first-round draft pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. But she had unfinished business at Virginia Tech.
The Hokies reached the Final Four as a No. 1 seed in 2023 but lost to eventual champion LSU. So Kitley decided to use her extra year of eligibility, granted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, to make another run at a national title.
Now the fifth-year center has another chance at claiming that coveted NCAA championship with Virginia Tech. The Hokies earned a No. 4 seed in the 2024 March Madness bracket and will face No. 13 seed Marshall in the round of 64.
Kitley’s status for that game, however, has been questionable, as she’s still working her way back from an injury.
Here are the latest updates regarding Kitley’s status for March Madness.
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What is Elizabeth Kitley’s injury?
Kitley tore her ACL, head coach Kenny Brooks told reporters ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
Kitley suffered a knee injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinal between Virginia Tech and Virginia on March 3. The star center left during the third quarter after a non-contact injury. The Hokies won that game, but Kitley missed their semifinal loss against Notre Dame.
Virginia Tech didn’t reveal the exact nature of the injury until March 21.
“If Liz didn’t have a future in basketball, we may [have] very well tried it last week,” Brooks said days before the tournament. “But we want to make sure everything is good with her, and she can [make] a positive impact for us. This week will definitely determine that. We’ll push it more and see what happens.”
Here was Kenny Brooks’ response when asked if there’s a chance Elizabeth Kitley could play against Marshall (via @BermanRoanoke): pic.twitter.com/FOPikbt6gO
— Anthony Romano (@ARomanoWDBJ) March 18, 2024
How long is Elizabeth Kitley out?
Kitley announced on Instagram that she won’t play in the NCAA Tournament.
“This is not at all how I anticipated ending this year with my team, but I’m so proud of all of our accomplishments, and I’m excited to see my girls continue to compete,” she wrote. “Thank you to all of Hokie Nation for being so supportive during this tough time. I’m looking forward to making a strong comeback.”
It’s still unclear when Kitley will be cleared to play again.
Elizabeth Kitley 2023-24 stats
- 22.8 points per game
- 11.4 rebounds per game
- 1.8 assists per game
- 0.6 steals per game
- 2.1 blocks per game
- 2.1 turnovers per game
- 55.6 percent field-goal shooting
- 40.0 percent 3-point shooting (2-of-5 total)
- 77.4 percent free throw shooting
STREAM: Watch Virginia Tech vs. Marshall live with Sling
Virginia Tech March Madness schedule
No. 4 seed Virginia Tech will face No. 13 seed Marshall at 3:30 p.m. ET Friday, March 22, in the round of 64.
| Round | Opponent | Date | Time (ET) |
| Round of 64 | No. 13 Marshall | Friday, March 22 | 3:30 p.m. ET |