Elizabeth Ann Kitley is an American professional basketball player who has made a significant mark both on and off the court.
She rose to prominence during her collegiate career with the Virginia Tech Hokies, where she became one of the most decorated players in the program’s history.
Drafted 24th overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Kitley’s journey from a multi-sport athlete in high school to a professional basketball star showcases her skill and resilience.
Beyond her athletic achievements, she shares a close bond with her family, particularly her siblings, who have played a meaningful role in her life.
Siblings
Elizabeth has three step-siblings from her parents’ previous marriages: Raven Kitley, Zack Kitley, and Nick Kitley.
Raven Kitley, Elizabeth’s older step-sister from her father Ralph’s first marriage, has autism and shares an especially close relationship with Elizabeth.
Raven is an active participant in the Special Olympics, competing in sports like basketball, volleyball, softball, and roller skating.
Her involvement with the Virginia Tech Hokies women’s basketball team, where she has been embraced as part of the program, highlights the family’s emphasis on inclusion.
Career
Kitley’s basketball journey began in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she attended Northwest Guilford High School.
Initially a multi-sport athlete excelling in basketball, softball, and volleyball, she shifted her focus to basketball by her freshman year, standing at 6 feet 2 inches.
Her high school career was stellar, leading her team to back-to-back state championships in her sophomore and junior years, earning MVP honors in both title games.
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A torn ACL in her senior year sidelined her for most of the season, but she returned for the final two games, showcasing her determination.
At Virginia Tech, Kitley’s career took off. She debuted on November 5, 2019, scoring a season-high 27 points in a win over Saint Francis (PA), setting a record for the most points by a Hokie freshman in a debut.
As a freshman, she averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors.
Her sophomore year saw her average 18.2 points and 10.4 rebounds, with standout performances like tying the program’s single-game rebound record (21) against Wake Forest.
Despite a shoulder injury in her junior year, she continued to excel, and as a senior, she led Virginia Tech to its first Final Four in 2023, averaging 18.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.
Opting to return for a fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kitley’s final collegiate season was cut short by another ACL injury on March 3, 2024, against the University of Virginia.
Nevertheless, she finished her Virginia Tech career as the program’s all-time leader in games started, minutes played, points scored, field-goal percentage, field goals made, double-doubles, rebounds, and blocks.
Drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, Kitley continues to recover and prepare for her professional career, carrying her family’s support with her.
Accolades
Kitley’s notable accolades include winning ACC Player of the Year three times (2022, 2023, 2024), making her only the fifth player in ACC history to achieve this feat, and earning ACC Freshman of the Year in 2020.
She was named to the First-Team All-ACC three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), the WBCA All-America Team in 2023, and the AP and USBWA Second-Team All-American in 2023.
At Virginia Tech, she holds the all-time records for points, field goals, blocks, double-doubles, rebounds, minutes played, and games started.
On January 19, 2025, Virginia Tech retired her No. 33 jersey, honoring her transformative impact on the program.
Beyond statistics, Kitley’s influence extends to her advocacy for autism awareness, inspired by Raven.
Through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, she has partnered with the Virginia Tech NIL store to create merchandise supporting the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic, blending her on-court success with off-court purpose.
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