LEXINGTON — With the 2020-21 season looming, the University of Kentucky has hired a former Lady Vols player as its head coach.
Kyra Elzy, who has been an assistant for the Wildcats during the last four seasons, was tapped as Kentucky’s interim head coach following a surprise retirement announcement from Matthew Mitchell.
Mitchell leaves Kentucky as the school’s all-time leader in wins (303). He was a graduate assistant with the Lady Vols during the 1999-2000 season under Pat Summitt.
Elzy previously served as an assistant coach at Tennessee from 2012-16. She played for the Lady Vols from 1996-2001.
Statement from Kyra Elzy
“Coach Mitchell means so much to me and I owe him an enormous amount of gratitude for his guidance throughout my coaching career. This is not an easy day for any of us as we come to grips with his decision to retire. My immediate focus is on our players and making sure that they are dealing with this change that has happened so abruptly. As you can understand, this has been difficult for them to process. We met with the players and their families this evening and ensured them that this program will stand on the same principles moving forward. I want to thank Mr. Barnhart, President Capilouto and our administration for trusting me as the interim head coach. Coach Mitchell has set this program on a path for distinguished success, and as interim head coach, I promise that our staff will work tirelessly to make sure the program continues to build upon the success that Coach Mitchell has had at Kentucky.”