There are only a handful of players whose skills and talent have helped them etch their names in golden letters in their program’s history. Fortunately, in the class of 2024, the fans witnessed two such seniors whose contributions were thoroughly acknowledged by their respective schools. Just days after Iowa extended their highest honor to the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer Caitlin Clark, it was now time for the Virginia Tech Hokies to showcase something similar to the three-time ACC Player of the Year, Elizabeth Kitley.

Saturday afternoon turned out to be quite eventful for the 6 ft 6 in center from Summerfield, North Carolina as Virginia Tech’s Director of Athletics Whit Babcock announced that the school will be retiring Kitley’s iconic No.33 jersey. In a formal statement, Babcock said, “Elizabeth’s impact on Virginia Tech and women’s basketball transcends statistics. Her passion, work ethic and character have left an enduring legacy that is inspiring the next generation.” 

Babcock further added that Kitley’s impact on their women’s basketball program has been monumental. Consequently, this decision is an extension of gratitude from the entire Hokies Nation. Moreover, the official unveiling of the jersey will be at the celebratory “Liz Kitley Night” at the Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum during a women’s basketball game in the 2024-25 season.

Kitley has been a driving force behind Virginia Tech’s rise in the Division I of women’s college basketball. Playing all 5 seasons here, she has spent the most number of minutes on the court. In addition to this, she is the all-time leader in points scored and has the most prolific average. Also, the three-time WBCA Coaches’ All-American has the ACC record for most rebounds (1,506) and double-doubles (76).

With Kitley, the Hokies qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2021, making it their first appearance in March Madness since 2006. And they made the tournament the next three years as well. Before Kitley, Virginia Tech’s best performance was a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1999. Kitley didn’t only help them get past that round but the Hokies went all the way to the Final Four in 2023. Her impact on the program is clear to see.

Following the announcement, an emotional Kitley expressed her elation about receiving this distinction.

Elizabeth Kitley appreciates the ‘Hokie Nation’

The legendary Virginia Tech No.33 was all smiles soon after the announcement. Addressing the fans, she said, “Thank you, Hokie Nation, for all of your support over the last five years, it’s been quite a journey. We’ve made a lot of memories and none of them would have been the same without you guys. We had a lot of success and I’m really proud of what we were able to do in Blacksburg.” 

A fitting gesture to an illustrious and decorated career. The role that Kitley has played in elevating the standards of basketball at the Cassell Coliseum has been truly inspirational. Now, the fans are hopeful she will reach equivalent heights in the professional world of WNBA.

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