Elizabeth Kitley: The Journey to the WNBA

Basketball fans were thrilled to see Elizabeth Kitley secure a spot on the Las Vegas Aces roster. This is a big deal because only 156 spots are available in the entire league. Kitley's journey to the WNBA is a story of resilience and hard work. She was drafted in the second round of the 2024 WNBA draft, but she didn't participate in team workouts that year. Instead, she was focused on recovering from an ACL injury. She spent a full year in rehab, using the Aces' facilities and medical staff. Her dedication paid off when she signed her rookie contract in February 2025. Kitley's debut with the Aces on May 17 against the Liberty was a significant moment. She had faced many challenges since leaving Virginia Tech, where she was the all-time top scorer. Her journey is a testament to her hard work, patience, and determination. She has overcome obstacles and proven that she belongs in the big leagues. Now is the perfect time to learn more about her background. Elizabeth Kitley was born on September 17, 2001, in Summerfield, North Carolina. She grew up playing multiple sports, including basketball, softball, and volleyball. By fifth grade, softball was her favorite, but she switched to basketball before high school. Standing at 6 ft 2, she had a natural advantage. As a sophomore at Northwest Guilford High School in Greensboro, she led her team to their first-ever state championship in the 4A tournament and earned MVP honors. She repeated this feat her junior year, securing another state title and MVP honors. Kitley's college career at Virginia Tech was impressive. She represented the Hokies for five seasons, averaging 17. 3 points, 10 rebounds, 1. 5 assists, and 2. 2 blocks per game. Her shooting percentages were 55. 2% from the field and 28. 6% from beyond the arc. She earned multiple accolades, including being named ACC Player of the Year twice. Her college career set the stage for her professional journey. Kitley's parents, Ralph and Loretta Kitley, have a strong basketball background. Her dad played college ball at Wake Forest and went pro in Germany and Brazil. After retiring, he worked as a principal at several schools. Her mom was also a principal. Growing up in North Carolina with such a strong basketball influence, it's clear where Kitley's athletic prowess comes from. She is of American ethnicity, though there are no official confirmations. There isn't much information about Kitley's religion. About 68% of the U. S. population identifies as Christian, so it's possible she might be too. However, this is just an assumption. It's important to respect her privacy and wait for any official statements.