Some Hokie fans have been puzzled: If former Virginia Tech women’s basketball star Liz Kitley is in the WNBA, why is she suddenly back in Blacksburg? The answer involves rehabilitation, career exploration and mentorship, according to Women’s Basketball Coach Megan Duffy.
Speaking at Wednesday night’s Hokie Tip-Off event at Hotel Roanoke, Duffy explained that Kitley will spend approximately six months with the program in a non-coaching capacity while she rehabilitates a knee injury.
“She’s gonna do a little bit of TV and radio with ESPN, ACC network and X. Just kind of learn the ropes on that side. And then she’s very interested in this revenue share. And I know NIL branding, she’s gone through it as a player in the infant stages. And now she’s like, what are we dealing with now? A lot’s changed in the short amount of time,” Duffy said.
Not coaching, but mentoring
Virginia Tech has officially named Kitley “Assistant to the Head Coach, External Operations” — a role focused on community outreach, fundraising and NIL initiatives, separate from on-court coaching responsibilities. She will also have broadcasting assignments with the Virginia Tech Sports Network and ACC Network Extra.
Duffy emphasized that while Kitley won’t be coaching, her presence will benefit current players, especially the four team members who previously played alongside her.
“She’s really looking forward to that. And I think the big thing when we get out of this, it’ll be like, what is she like and what is she like? Oh, heck no, I do not wanna do that. I’m gonna keep playing,” Duffy explained. “As much as she’s not gonna be coaching, she’s gonna be in the building, in the facility, sharing knowledge.”
Professional career continues
The arrangement appears temporary, giving Kitley an opportunity to explore off-court career possibilities while preparing for her return to professional basketball.
Before her return to Blacksburg, Kitley played professionally with the Las Vegas Aces after being selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA draft. She later signed with the Golden State Valkyries and was planning to play overseas in China before knee issues required additional rehabilitation.
During her Virginia Tech career, Kitley established herself as one of the program’s all-time greats, earning All-American honors, three ACC Player of the Year awards, and setting 13 program records.
According to Duffy, when the team learned of Kitley’s temporary return, the reaction was significant: “The afternoon that I told our team that she was getting hired with us, the look in their eyes was incredible. Those freshmen who [only] saw her on TV in the Final Four, their eyes are bugging out like ‘Liz is gonna be around and I could pick her brain.’”
The post Why is Liz Kitley back at Virginia Tech? Coach Duffy clarifies WNBA star’s new role first appeared on News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR.
