Elizabeth Kitley injury updates: Will Virginia Tech star play vs. Marshall in March Madness game

Elizabeth Kitley could have been a first round draft pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. But she had unfinished business at Virginia Tech.

The Hokies reached the Final Four as a No. 1 seed in 2023 but lost to eventual champion LSU. So Kitley decided to use her extra year of eligibility, granted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, to make another run at a national title.

Now the fifth-year center has another chance at claiming that coveted NCAA championship with Virginia Tech. The Hokies earned a No. 4 seed in the 2024 March Madness bracket and will face No. 13 seed Marshall in the round of 64.

Kitley’s status for that game, however, is questionable. She’s still working her way back from an injury and it’s unclear whether she will be available for Friday’s first-round contest.

Here’s the latest updates regarding Kitley’s status for March Madness.

What is Elizabeth Kitley’s injury?

Kitley seems to be dealing with an undisclosed knee injury that she suffered during the ACC Tournament quarterfinal between Virginia Tech and Miami on March 8.

The star center left during the third quarter after a non-contact injury to what looked like her left knee. The Hokies won that game, but Kitley missed their semifinal loss against Notre Dame.

Virginia Tech hasn’t revealed the exact nature of the injury, but head coach Kenny Brooks considered Kitley’s WNBA future when evaluating if she’d be ready for the NCAA Tournament.

“If Liz didn’t have a future in basketball, we may [have] very well tried it last week,” Brooks said Sunday. “But we want to make sure everything is good with her, and she can [make] a positive impact for us. This week will definitely determine that. We’ll push it more and see what happens.”

Here was Kenny Brooks’ response when asked if there’s a chance Elizabeth Kitley could play against Marshall (via @BermanRoanoke): pic.twitter.com/FOPikbt6gO

— Anthony Romano (@ARomanoWDBJ) March 18, 2024

There’s a couple ways to analyze this statement since the injury is undisclosed.

If Brooks is considering Kitley’s future in basketball, the injury could be serious. Then again, Brooks also considered pushing the process forward, so perhaps the injury is not as severe as it might seem.

How long is Elizabeth Kitley out?

Kitley is dealing with an undisclosed injury, which is believed to stem from her left knee.

There’s no timetable for her return, but Brooks told reporters Sunday that “there’s a chance for everything” when asked if Kitley will play against Marshall in the first round.

The Sporting News will continue to update as more information unfolds regarding Kitley’s injury.