N.C. States star is 6-foot-5 All-American Elissa Cunane, who played on two 3A state championship teams at Northern Guilford, while Elizabeth was winning two 4A state titles at Northern Guilford. Kitley was unsure of basketball at first, but worked hard, a trait she said she learned from both her parents who are principals at public schools, to come into her own as a prospect. Required fields are marked *. Ralph was 15 and had just performed well in a camp at Wake Forest. Rated a five-star recruit by ESPN, [5] she committed to play for Virginia Tech at the college level under head coach Kenny Brooks. I told him that I talked to her. North was led by Kesler, Antione Sifford, Kitley and Andre Godfrey, went 22-6 and won the 3A North Piedmont Conference. 2 NC State. Thanks for this nice article on Kitley! No other Tech player posted double figures, but Kitley and Traylor stepped up, especially in the second half. Shes not going here. I think Virginia Tech had set that bar so high with how they had treated her. The Hokies struggled with consistency at times throughout the 2020-21 season, one in which they finished 15-10 overall and 8-8 in conference play last season. He got a chance to play professionally in Germany and Brazil before he launched in career in education as a teacher and coach. Her AAU coach, the father of Kitleys high school and current collegiate teammate Cayla King, Tom, plucked her from the other two sports she grew up playing, volleyball and softball. Her father is happy about moving farther out, because when she stays in the low block, she gets double-teamed, knocked around, beaten up. [11] Kitley averaged 18.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore, earning first-team All-ACC honors. Her biggest fan was trying to reach her. Special Olympics gives her that opportunity. Her story starts with Ralph. He was a Christmas present born on Christmas Eve in 1967. April 2016: Low-post prospect brings imposing size, shot blocking presence to the front court; alters shot, rebounds and initiates fast break; developing back-to-basket game with soft touch in key; consistent at the charity stripe. Whats it like to sit in the stands and watch her play well, its a pretty incredible feeling, Kitley said. Its given the 6-foot-10 Kitley a chance to return to Rowan County three times a week. [14] She returned for the first round of the NCAA tournament. She plans eventually to go to medical school and work in health care, though she hasnt chosen a specific role. Elizabeth Kitley denies NC State Wolfpack with block. She made a lot of friends on that team, which is cool because shes 30 years old and shes not in school, so she doesnt get that experience to see people her age or people like her anymore. She has one more year before that decision needs to be made. King assured Ralph that Elizabeths future was in basketball. USA Today 1st-team North Carolina in 2018. But when the Hokies (23-4, 13-4 ACC) needed her most against the Tar Heels (19-9, 10-7), she delivered. She arrived as a raw talent thats worked hard to get to the skill level shes currently at, as head coach Kenny Brooks described. Elizabeth Kitley and Georgia Amoore combined for 47 points, almost outscoring Duke. Cant say enough good things about this team. Virginia Tech star and 2022 ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley caught up with NCAA.com's Autumn Johnson to discuss her hobbies and interests outside of basketball, playing one-on-one against . She knows what she likes, and I just love her innocence. She had 34-point games against George Washington and Florida State and is on the watch list for national awards. [2] She helped her team win another state title in her junior season, repeating as MVP of the title game. Shes an humble kid whos never sought any attention, Kitley said. Salisbury Post File LEAVE IT TO @elizabethkitley #NCAAWBB x @HokiesWBB pic.twitter.com/Tp6kq5YtYg, NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) February 24, 2023. Welcome to the Nation, ProspectsNation.com! While she and Traylor combined for 16-of-27 shooting (59%), the rest of the team was just 8-of-26 (31%). Kitley is the 20 th woman in league history to be named First . It showed growth, too, winning eight of its final 11 conference games. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); TechSideline.Com However, Tech locked itself into the No. I told Tom the next day that Elizabeth wanted to stick with softball and he was pretty disgusted with me, Ralph said. We will be adding new players and evaluations every week as well as updating our subscriber-only video content. by. (Olson) Corpuz carded a 65, Kim had a 67 and Szokol slipped to a 71 at the Sentosa Golf Club. She averaged 18.2 points and 10.4 rebounds as a sophomore. Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Center for Autism Research and Autism Clinic, M.D.-Ph.D student to advocate on Capitol Hill as Society for Neuroscience Policy ambassador, Everyone invited to learn about our electric brains at 10th annual Brain School, Feathered friends visit ornithology class, Virginia Tech researchers study PTSD effects on bystanders. She and the Hokies have their mind set on contending at the top of the ACC and, at the minimum, a run at the Sweet 16. The reason? Born on Sept. 17, Kitley is the daughter of Ralph and Loretta Kitley. But she keeps getting better, and shes also got some very talented teammates.. Props to Liz! He played sparingly as a freshman backup center in a loaded ACC. Most of the people he encounters ask about Kitleys daughter, Elizabeth, a 6-foot-6 Virginia Tech junior who has blossomed into one of the best college players in the country. But Tech responded. Virginia Tech womens basketball standout Elizabeth Kitley shares a special bond with half-sister Raven, who is autistic. The algorithm is weighted as follows: On3 (35%), 247Sports (35%), Rivals.com (20%), and ESPN (10%). Member of the National Honor Society and was ranked 18th in her graduating class of 535 students. TO PURCHASE CLICK THE "ADD TO CART" LINK BELOW! She accomplished that in the fourth quarter (in 113 games). TSL) is an independent publication that is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Virginia Tech or the Virginia Tech Athletic Department. Platinum rankings page includes schools of interest on ranked players. Sorry, its fixed now. There are no statistics for this selected season available for this player. 0 . Swish. Period. Elizabeth had sort of an off game on Thursday only seven rebounds to go with her 27 points in a 75-65 win against Pittsburgh. Presented by. Brooks and Raven bonded quickly when Brooks visited the Kitleys home in Summerfield, North Carolina, so much so that Brooks gave her his phone number and the two started conversing regularly. Elizabeths sister, Raven, is autistic, and they have a special relationship. Elizabeth Kitley even participated with Raven in Special Olympics as part of a unified team while in high school. Your email address will not be published. She was first team All-ACC. 22 North Carolina, 61-59. Ralph Kitley travels almost to every game, often with Raven in tow. Elizabeth is special. mike.london@salisburypost.com. Beat my career high in her first game.. Women's Power Rankings: Pac-12 teams, Maryland show their teeth, Elizabeth Kitley fights off defender for and-1, Georgia Amoore, Elizabeth Kitley lead Virginia Tech to win over NC State, Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley stands her ground on block, Check out this sweet dime from Elizabeth Kitley, Elizabeth Kitley makes a nice move for the layup, Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley nails the jump shot. Shes my sister. Raven Kitley found a close friend when Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks started recruiting Elizabeth early in her career at Northwest Guilford High School. She's Got Game Classic-December 2016: Agile low-post performer patrols the key, defends, rebounds and starts the fast break; post up game with emerging results; competes on both ends of the floor. This website is an unofficial and independent source of news and information. Kitley, Traylor were great. GO HOKIES! Yet, they differ in one respect. When Im thinking about challenging myself, shes definitely in the back of my mind, Elizabeth said. Copyright 2023 ProspectsNation.com. Ive seen her shoot that shot thousands of times and shes probably about 90% on it. They spent the first quarter feeling out North Carolina and started 4-of-18 (22%) from the floor, turning the ball over five times. [16], Kitley's father, Ralph, played professional basketball in Germany and Brazil following a college career at Wake Forest. (Virginia Tech athletics) On Tuesday, Virginia Tech center Elizabeth Kitley was named the ACC Women's Basketball Player of the Year for 2021-22. Sweet silence! 22 North Carolina, 61-59. And it makes going to games easier, Ralph said. Elizabeth Kitley entered the 2022-2023 season as a preseason All-America pick and the ACC preseason Player of the Year. Even in high school, most realized that she was different. He was chosen for the East-West All-Star Game in the summer of 1986, but was unable to play in the game because of back issues. In the 2019-2020 season, Kitley was the ACCs Freshman of the Year. She participated in the Carolinas Classic where she recorded 13 points and 8 rebounds. (Virginia Tech sports photography) Georgia Amoore shot 994 three-pointers by herself after a "bad" mid-week practice, as described by Kenny Brooks following Virginia Tech's surprise loss to Liberty in early December, one in which she shot 2-of-10 and only scored four points. Kitley is one of seven people being inducted into the Salisbury Rowan Sports Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2015. Week In Review -- A regular recap of the recruiting headlines from across the country to keep you up to speed. The box score attached is way off. Understanding the demands on a head coach, Ralph put a limit on Ravens outreach to Brooks, holding her to one text conversation per week. But Traylor hit the groups lone trey in that span while Kitley was 4-of-4. Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks did the best job. Ralph averaged 6.9 points, with a high of 18 against Davie County. 2023 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. It just makes more sense, Raven said. Elizabeth Kitley's rankings breakdown on the 4 major recruiting services: On3, 247sports, ESPN, and Rivals. But Kitley admits she still has a little bit to go to improve her game in order to take VT further. Elizabeth is pursuing a degree in human nutrition, foods, and exercise within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The On3 Industry Ranking is the industry's most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement. Perhaps that role involves working with autistic people. Has three siblings; Raven, Zack and Nick. 22 North Carolina women's basketball team (19-9, 10-7 ACC) fell to No. Kitley also scored a program-record 42 points in the NCAA Tournament against FGCU. [6] College career [ edit] On November 5, 2019, Kitley made her collegiate debut and scored a season-high 27 points, shooting 13-of-15 from the field, in a 105-41 win over Saint Francis (PA). 2 NC State with a 83-71 overtime win in late January. He became a high school principal, teacher and basketball coach.[1]. "When. "Elizabeth took 24 hours to call every coach that recruited her to let them know her decision and to thank them," Kitley said. Elizabeth Kitley, man. One number, with the corresponding person designated by a purple heart, showed up multiple times on her screen. The play, designed by former associate head coach Shawn Poppie, now the head coach at Chattanooga, worked to perfection. In their sophomore and junior seasons at Northwest Guilford, Elizabeth Kitley and Cayla King won 4A state championships. Get all the free content this site offers plus premium content on players, event recaps and recruiting news you can't find anywhere else! She was and would always likely be the tallest player on the floor. One game remains: at Georgia Tech on Sunday in Atlanta (4 p.m. [1], On November 11, 2021, Kitley tallied 34 points and nine rebounds, making a program-record 17 field goals, in a 7538 win over George Washington. For more details about the site, including a list of TechSideline.com staff, see our About page. All-ACC center Elizabeth Kitley scored 23 points for the Hokies (15-9), who won an NCAA tournament game for the first time since beating Missouri in the first round in 2006. They made her feel as if she were a recruit, too. Virginia Tech demonstrates impact as a global land grant progressing sustainability in our community, through the Commonwealth of Virginia, and around the world. Elizabeth and Cayla King both committed to Virginia Tech. On3 is a registered trademark of On3 Media, Inc. Virginia Tech's Liz Kitley partners with Gourmet Pantry in NIL deal. Kitley was also recognized as an All-Defensive Team member for the second consecutive season. TSL) is an independent publication that is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Virginia Tech or the Virginia Tech Athletic Department. Like any member of a team, Raven knows the players very well, particularly Cayla King, who was a high school teammate of Elizabeths at Northwest Guilford. That came from watching Mike Gminski play for the Blue Devils in the late 1970s. She earned All-America nods and dropped 42 points in Virginia Tech's lone NCAA Tournament game. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Access to schools of interest lists on numerous prospects. After a late buzzer beater by Elizabeth Kitley, the No. 2022-23 ACC Standings. Kitley grew up playing basketball, softball and volleyball, preferring softball by fifth grade. Virginia Tech Sports File Photo The ACC women's basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is named in memory of the legendary Yow, who won 737 games as a head coach while directing NC State to four ACC Tournament championships and the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team to a gold medal. Ralph Kitley (44) played basketball at North Rowan in the 1980s, including on the Cavaliers' 1986 state championship team, before going on to play college basketball at Wake Forest. Ticket Marketplace, Travel Center & Info, English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park Fan Guide, ACC Network, Video Library presented by , Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio Affiliates, Sport Psychology/Counseling and Athletic Mental Performance, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Player of the Year Watch List, 2023 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, Set the program record for field goals Jan. 22, 2023, Three-time ACC All-Academic Team (2020, 2021, 2022), First Team All-ACC and All-Defensive Team, WBCA All-American, USBWAThird Team All-American, Scored the 1,000th point of her career on Dec. 12 vs. Radford, Made 17 FGs, setting a new program recordat George Washington (11/11), Scored a program record 42 points in the NCAA Tournament game vs. FGCU. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. Her AAU coach, the father of Kitleys high school and current collegiate teammate Cayla King, Tom, plucked her from the other two sports she grew up playing, volleyball and softball. She played basketball, volleyball and softball for years, but it was clear when she was in fourth or fifth grade that softball was the sport she liked the best. Follow @ProspectsNation. Entering Thursday, Kitley needed 17 points to break Aisha Sheppards record of 1,883 points (in 159 games). She spent this past offseason at a USA Basketball camp, where she worked on breaking out of double teams and using her vision to find an open teammate something she admits she struggled with her first two years. His father, Marsden Kitley, was a Methodist minister. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Area Sports Briefs: Mustangs win in Georgia, High school basketball: The roots for West Rowans girls program, College indoor track: Local athletes help Pfeiffer, College mens basketball: All-South Atlantic Conference team. For Virginia Tech, Kitley's addition gives them their second verbal commitment for the class of 2019 as Kitley is set to join her club teammate, Cayla King at the ACC school. Elizabeth Kitley Post CLASS: 2019 97 SCOUTS GRADE Summerfield, NC Hometown Northwest Guilford High School 6-4 Height Weight 33 Overall Rank 7 Position Rank Status Signed Also Considered ESPN. A few days afterward, Elizabeth talked about autism awareness on Packer and Durham, arguably the ACC Networks most popular show. love, love, love this TEAM!!!!!!!!! We constantly will be searching for more benefits for our Platinum Members! Dave Odom had replaced Staak and Joel Coliseum had become Wake Forests new homecourt, but Kitleys role stayed about the same. Kennedy Todd-Williams was the only other double-digit scorer with 13 points and . Great win! Kitley had more fouls (47) than points (42), but he showed promise in a late-season game against N.C. State. He had 12 points and nine rebounds in that one. By Mike London She made visits to other schools, but no staff made her sister feel as important as Brooks and his staff. This INCLUDES a player card and access to premium player evaluations in the senior, junior and sophomore classes. Your email address will not be published. Has three siblings; Raven, Zack and Nick. Now, six years and one USA Basketball stint later, the center is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Brooks went out of his way to be kind to Raven. These games not only provide opportunities for physical fitness, but they also allow these athletes to establish needed friendships outside their families. Shes Raven. Wake was led by senior guard Muggsy Bogues, but the Demon Deacons went 3-13 in the ACC and lost five overtime games. 9 Hokies past No. This subscription option renews on a yearly basis. Instant Reaction -- When players commmit it impacts not only the recruiting class rankings but the make up of teams going forward. With her Player of the Year Award comes a third First Team All-ACC nod, the most in program history. Elizabeth Kitley is one of the nations best basketball players. Carolina is a great basketball team. The losses were by one point to South Meck and Thomasville. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. but they basically drive to every game, even if its at Notre Dame or somewhere in the Sunshine State. The Hokies visit the ACCs top team, fourth-ranked N.C. State, today at 4 p.m. That leads to another fascinating part of the story. The reigning ACC Player of the Year received the pass, turned to the basket and released the 18-foot jumper in less than half a second. This site utilizes responsive web design, which renders the site properly on all platforms (PC, tablet, mobile). [13] Kitley sustained a right shoulder injury against North Carolina in the quarterfinals of the 2022 ACC tournament and was sidelined as her team lost to NC State in the following game. Battle-in-the-'boro-July 2016: True low-post prospect brings shot blocking presence in the key; rebounds, outlets, agile in transition; continues back-to-basket game development. All rights reserved. All Hokie, All the Time. He was the first recruit to sign with new Demon Deacons coach Bob Staak, who had turned around the Xavier program before tackling the challenge of winning in Winston-Salem. Maryland, Louisville, Arkansas Start Fast, Video Add-on (must be existing platinum subscriber). Another year with her sister, like always, encouraging her every step of the way. Her current 6-foot-6 frame makes her the tallest player in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In a late-season game against the Wolfpack at Reynolds Coliseum, he piled up 22 points and 12 rebounds in an 86-82 loss. She switched her focus to basketball before her freshman year at Northwest Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, when she stood 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m). The team wore T-shirts with the word LOVE displayed in multiple colors, which resembled the Autism Awareness Ribbon. Follow @BrandonClayPSB Elizabeth has made ACC all-academic teams and wants to go to med school, but its looking like med school may be deferred for a while. Hokies win by two. Wake Forest coaches envisioned him playing forward, not center. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability . Elizabeth and Cayla King both committed to Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley has been named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year for the second straight season while Notre Dame's Niele Ivey has been named coach of the year. Member of the National Honor Society and was ranked 18th in her graduating class of 535 students. Her basketball career is certain to extend past college if thats the direction she chooses. Raven is autistic, and she owns that. Brooks and Raven bonded quickly when Brooks visited the Kitleys' home in Summerfield, North Carolina, so much so that Brooks gave her his phone number and the two started conversing regularly. In November 1985, Kitley signed with Wake Forest. Were winning on a day that she becomes the all-time leading scorer in Virginia Tech history. She led the conference in rebounding, defensive rebounds and blocks per game this season. And the Kitleys have bonded with the players families, too, with every game serving as a family reunion of sorts. She started every game for the Hokies and averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. She spent the 2020 offseason mastering her stepback fadeaway when shes down low in the paint, a move she used often to score over opponents that matched up within an inch or two of her. Weve never really talked about her as being autistic. In a tie game at 59 with 2.1 remaining, Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks called timeout after UNCs Alyssa Ustby missed the second of two free throws. He and I have a relationship based off that. Theres not a ton of doubt in my mind.. Battle-in-the-boro-July 2018: Skilled post prospect with consistent interior game; executes in isolation, exploits defenders, superb footwork in back-to-basket game; defensive presence, alters shots; mobile in uptempo game; among the elite front court prospects in the class of 2019. When [I] got this job, no one ever thought things like this would be possible. He started nine games, and his job was defending the post. She was and would always likely be the tallest player on the floor. Access to the video tab on player profiles to see some of the best players in action. It wasnt a pretty start for the Hokies. The opinions of the author(s) on this site are independent and no way reflect the opinions of the Virginia Tech administrators, coaches, staff, or athletes.