In the 2024-25 NCAA women’s basketball season, the Kentucky Wildcats have experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of first-year head coach Kenny Brooks. Brooks, who previously led Virginia Tech to the 2023 NCAA Final Four and secured the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship, was appointed as Kentucky’s head coach in March 2024. His arrival has revitalized the program, leading to a significant turnaround from the previous season’s 12-20 record.UK Athletics
A New Era Begins
Upon his arrival, Brooks made immediate and impactful changes to the team’s roster and playing style. Emphasizing height and versatility, he assembled a squad where eight of the 13 players stand 6-foot-1 or taller, including four players at least 6-3 and two towering at 6-5 or more. This strategic focus on size has allowed Kentucky to dominate both ends of the court, particularly in rebounding and interior defense.Kentucky
Central to the Wildcats’ success is star guard Georgia Amoore, who followed Brooks from Virginia Tech. Amoore has been instrumental, leading the team with 19.4 points per game and a Division I-best 7.5 assists per contest. Her leadership and on-court vision have been pivotal in orchestrating the team’s offense and facilitating scoring opportunities.
Season Performance and Key Highlights
The Wildcats commenced the season with a series of home games at the newly renovated Historic Memorial Coliseum, generating excitement among fans and setting a positive tone for the season. They embarked on a strong start, achieving a 15-1 record by mid-January 2025, including a 4-0 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. This impressive performance marked the program’s best start since the 2012-13 season.
Throughout the season, Kentucky has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Notable victories include a decisive 88-70 win over Western Kentucky on December 28, 2024, and a commanding 91-69 triumph against Mississippi State on January 2, 2025. These wins not only bolstered the team’s confidence but also solidified their standing within the conference.
However, the season has not been without challenges. A notable setback occurred on December 5, 2024, when the Wildcats faced a tough 72-53 loss to North Carolina. Despite this, the team showcased their ability to rebound from adversity, stringing together subsequent victories and maintaining a strong position in the rankings.
Strategic Adjustments and Player Development
Brooks’ coaching philosophy emphasizes a balanced approach, integrating a robust defense with a dynamic offense. The team’s size advantage has been leveraged to control the paint, while players like Amoore facilitate perimeter shooting and fast breaks. This dual-threat capability has made Kentucky a formidable opponent, capable of adjusting their gameplay to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
Player development has also been a cornerstone of Brooks’ tenure. Sophomore center Clara Strack has emerged as a key contributor, recording a standout performance with 22 points and 12 rebounds in a recent 73-65 victory over Missouri. Her growth, alongside the consistent contributions from other team members, reflects the effective development programs instituted by the coaching staff.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, Kentucky faces a challenging schedule with matchups against top-ranked opponents, including LSU, Tennessee, and South Carolina. These games are pivotal, not only for SEC tournament seeding but also for bolstering the team’s resume ahead of the NCAA tournament.
The upcoming game against LSU is particularly significant. Scheduled for Sunday at 4 PM ET on ESPN, this home game offers the Wildcats an opportunity to assert their dominance and make a statement within the conference. A victory here would enhance their standing and provide momentum heading into the postseason.
Brooks’ Personal Journey
Beyond the court, Brooks has navigated personal challenges with resilience. In February 2025, it was announced that his wife, Chrissy, is cancer-free after a battle with breast cancer diagnosed in 2023. This personal victory has undoubtedly provided emotional uplift to Brooks and the team, exemplifying strength and unity in the face of adversity.
Kenny Brooks’ inaugural season in Lexington has been marked by strategic innovation, player development, and a revitalized team culture. The Wildcats’ impressive performance positions them as strong contenders in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments. As they approach the season’s climax, the team’s focus remains on finishing strong, capitalizing on their growth, and embracing the challenges ahead. With Brooks at the helm, the future of Kentucky women’s basketball appears promising, characterized by resilience, talent, and a commitment to excellence.
Kentucky Women’s Basketball: Finishing Strong in Kenny Brooks’ First Season
The 2024-25 NCAA women’s basketball season has been nothing short of a rebirth for the Kentucky Wildcats. Under first-year head coach Kenny Brooks, the program has witnessed a remarkable transformation, evolving from an SEC underdog into a legitimate contender. Hired in March 2024 after a successful tenure at Virginia Tech, Brooks entered the Kentucky program with high expectations, bringing with him a vision of discipline, development, and a fast-paced yet structured playing style.
With the regular season winding down, Kentucky finds itself in a prime position to finish strong, securing a high seed in both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. But what has led to this turnaround, and how does Brooks’ system set up the Wildcats for success in March Madness?
Kenny Brooks’ Impact on Kentucky
Brooks’ arrival in Lexington signaled a shift in culture for Kentucky women’s basketball. The Wildcats, coming off a disappointing 12-20 campaign in the previous season, needed both a fresh perspective and a strategic overhaul. Brooks provided exactly that, emphasizing size, defense, and transition play as pillars of the team’s new identity.
Recruiting & Roster Transformation
One of the first major changes under Brooks was roster reconstruction. He emphasized height and versatility, assembling a team where eight players stand 6’1” or taller, a stark contrast to Kentucky’s traditionally guard-heavy rosters. This emphasis on size and athleticism has allowed the Wildcats to dominate the glass and control the paint, key factors in their defensive schemes.
The most notable roster addition was Georgia Amoore, a standout guard who followed Brooks from Virginia Tech. Amoore has been a revelation, averaging 19.4 points per game while leading the nation in assists per game (7.5). Her leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in executing Brooks’ up-tempo offense.
Other key contributors include:
- Clara Strack (Sophomore, Center) – Has stepped up as a dominant presence in the post, recording multiple double-doubles.
- Erynn Barnum (Senior, Forward) – Provides veteran leadership and defensive stability.
- Cassidy Rowe (Junior, Guard) – An underrated shooter who spaces the floor and gives Kentucky perimeter threats.
The roster’s balance of experienced transfers, returning players, and young talent has been a critical factor in Kentucky’s success.
Season Recap: Kentucky’s Journey Under Brooks
The Wildcats began the season with a dominant home opener in the newly renovated Historic Memorial Coliseum. This set the stage for one of the best starts in program history. By mid-January, Kentucky had raced to a 15-1 record, including a perfect start in SEC play (4-0).
Signature Wins & Key Performances
- Kentucky 88, Western Kentucky 70 (Dec. 28, 2024)
- A strong offensive performance in a game that highlighted Amoore’s playmaking ability.
- Kentucky 91, Mississippi State 69 (Jan. 2, 2025)
- A statement win against a tough SEC opponent, showcasing Kentucky’s defensive improvements.
- Kentucky 73, Missouri 65 (Feb. 14, 2025)
- Clara Strack’s 22-point, 12-rebound game propelled the Wildcats past a gritty Missouri team.
Despite some setbacks—like a 72-53 loss to North Carolina—Kentucky has bounced back each time, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Current Standings & Outlook
Heading into the final weeks of the regular season, Kentucky remains firmly in the top tier of the SEC standings. Their upcoming schedule includes matchups against LSU, Tennessee, and South Carolina, which will serve as crucial tests before postseason play.
- SEC Tournament Outlook – A top-four seed would give Kentucky a significant advantage in the bracket.
- NCAA Tournament Positioning – Currently projected as a 5 or 6 seed, but a strong finish could push them into the top four.
The Wildcats are aiming for their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016 and, with the momentum they’ve built, a deep tournament run isn’t out of the question.
Brooks’ Coaching Philosophy: A Winning Formula
Brooks has implemented a balanced, high-IQ system that maximizes both defensive tenacity and offensive efficiency. His strategies have reshaped the way Kentucky plays:
1. Defense First Mentality
- Kentucky has shifted to a switch-heavy defense, leveraging their size and versatility to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.
- Rebounding dominance has been a key factor, preventing opponents from getting second-chance points.
2. Transition & Ball Movement
- The Wildcats play at a high tempo, pushing the ball in transition whenever possible.
- Amoore’s vision in the open court has created numerous scoring opportunities for her teammates.
3. Balanced Offensive Attack
- Kentucky spreads the floor with a mix of post play and perimeter shooting.
- Their inside-out approach has kept defenses guessing, making them difficult to guard.
These tactical adjustments have made Kentucky one of the most improved teams in the country.
March Madness Hopes: Can Kentucky Make a Deep Run?
With the SEC Tournament approaching, Kentucky has its eyes set on an even bigger goal: a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Given their strong performances against ranked opponents and the leadership of Brooks, the Wildcats have the potential to exceed expectations.
Keys to a Successful Tournament Run
- Maintain Defensive Intensity – Controlling the paint and forcing turnovers will be crucial.
- Amoore’s Leadership – She must continue to facilitate the offense and deliver in clutch moments.
- Bench Contribution – Depth will be tested in the later rounds of the tournament.
If Kentucky can execute these elements, they have the ability to be a dark-horse Final Four team.
Brooks’ Personal Journey & The Human Side of Coaching
Beyond the Xs and Os, Brooks has faced personal challenges during his first year in Lexington. In February 2025, his wife, Chrissy Brooks, was declared cancer-free after battling breast cancer. This emotional victory has served as an inspiration for the team, reinforcing the themes of perseverance and resilience that Brooks has instilled in his players.
Brooks’ journey—from winning an ACC Championship with Virginia Tech to rebuilding Kentucky—has been one of determination, faith, and leadership. His ability to connect with his players and build a winning culture makes him one of the most promising coaches in women’s college basketball.