No. 16 Kentucky Women’s Basketball Ranked in Final AP Top 25 Ranking of Season for First Time Since 2015
In a historic season for Kentucky women’s basketball, the Wildcats ended the 2024-2025 campaign with a strong finish that not only put them in the NCAA Tournament but also earned them a spot in the final Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings. Kentucky, ranked No. 16 in the final poll, marked their first appearance in the AP Top 25 since 2015, a remarkable achievement for the program that has seen ups and downs in recent years.
The Wildcats’ journey to this point has been paved by a combination of talented players, a skilled coaching staff, and a resilient team mentality that kept them competitive in the always-demanding Southeastern Conference (SEC). As Kentucky celebrates its return to the upper echelon of women’s college basketball, it is important to take a closer look at how they arrived at this moment and what this ranking means for the future of the program.
The Rise of Kentucky Women’s Basketball
Kentucky women’s basketball has been a consistent force in the SEC and NCAA tournaments since the 2010s. Under the leadership of head coach Matthew Mitchell, the Wildcats achieved significant success, including making several NCAA Tournament appearances and even reaching the Final Four in 2012. However, after Mitchell’s unexpected resignation in 2020, the program entered a period of transition.
In 2020, Kentucky hired Kyra Elzy, a former assistant coach under Mitchell. Elzy, who had extensive experience at both the college and professional levels, took over a team with high potential but needing some guidance to reach its full capabilities. The Wildcats were expected to go through a rebuilding process, but Elzy wasted no time in implementing a culture of competitiveness and resilience.
In her first few seasons, Elzy faced challenges as she worked to build a team capable of competing at the highest levels. However, she showed great promise in her ability to recruit and develop talent, which eventually paid off in a big way during the 2024-2025 season.
Key Players Leading the Charge
A critical component of Kentucky’s success this season was the play of standout players who not only made significant individual contributions but also played a crucial role in the team’s collective success. These players were the backbone of the Wildcats’ resurgence into the national spotlight.
Rhyne Howard, a former SEC Player of the Year and WNBA Draft pick, was a key leader for Kentucky in her final season with the Wildcats. Although she had already made a name for herself in college basketball, Howard’s leadership, work ethic, and clutch performances helped elevate Kentucky’s program to new heights in 2024-2025.
In addition to Howard, Treasure Hunt, a former top recruit and dynamic player, emerged as a star for the Wildcats this season. Hunt was versatile on both ends of the floor, bringing scoring, defense, and rebounding to the team. Her consistency and ability to step up in key moments were instrumental in Kentucky’s success.
Additionally, Jada Walker became a significant force in the backcourt. Her ability to create opportunities for her teammates and score efficiently made her one of the most dangerous guards in the SEC. Walker’s fast-paced, aggressive style was a perfect fit for Kentucky’s up-tempo play, and her development under Elzy’s coaching was key to the Wildcats’ improved offensive efficiency.
The Strong Coaching of Kyra Elzy
Kyra Elzy’s coaching was a major factor in Kentucky’s return to the AP Top 25. Known for her ability to motivate her players and adapt to different challenges, Elzy helped the Wildcats become one of the most disciplined and efficient teams in the SEC.
Elzy’s coaching philosophy emphasizes both offense and defense, and her ability to balance the two was evident in Kentucky’s 2024-2025 season. The Wildcats demonstrated an ability to score in transition while also locking down defensively when needed, showcasing the tactical brilliance of their head coach.
One of Elzy’s key strengths is her emphasis on creating an environment where players feel empowered and confident. This has allowed Kentucky’s talented athletes to showcase their skills and grow as players. Under Elzy’s leadership, Kentucky also built a sense of unity and trust, which helped the Wildcats perform well under pressure and overcome adversity.
SEC Dominance and Challenges
While Kentucky enjoyed a strong regular season, the SEC proved to be an incredibly challenging environment. With powerhouses like South Carolina, Tennessee, and LSU in the conference, the Wildcats had to fight for every win. However, Kentucky managed to rise to the occasion against some of the conference’s best teams, including a signature victory over Tennessee, which played a pivotal role in boosting their ranking.
Throughout the season, Kentucky’s defense was key in slowing down some of the top offenses in the SEC, while their balanced offensive attack allowed them to stay competitive in games with high-scoring teams. The Wildcats were known for their tenacity and never-say-die attitude, making them a formidable opponent in every contest.
Though they didn’t win the SEC title, Kentucky earned a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, and their performance throughout the season garnered them national attention. Their ability to compete against the best teams in the conference and still come out with a respectable record was a testament to the hard work and commitment of the players and coaching staff.
The NCAA Tournament and Kentucky’s March Madness Journey
With their high ranking and strong regular season, Kentucky was poised for a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Their presence in the final AP Top 25 ranking underscored their status as one of the nation’s top teams, and expectations were high for the Wildcats as they entered March Madness.
In the tournament, Kentucky proved they were more than capable of hanging with the country’s elite programs. They delivered a series of strong performances, with players like Rhyne Howard and Treasure Hunt showing why they were among the nation’s best.
While Kentucky ultimately fell short of reaching the Final Four, their run in the tournament was a strong affirmation of their return to national relevance. The Wildcats’ performance in the postseason solidified their place in the AP Top 25 and showcased the resilience of Elzy’s team.
The Significance of Kentucky’s Ranking
Kentucky’s inclusion in the final AP Top 25 ranking for the first time in nearly a decade is an important milestone for the program. It represents the hard work and determination that the Wildcats have put into rebuilding their team and positioning themselves as a top-tier program in women’s college basketball.
For the players and coaches, this ranking is a sign that their efforts have paid off. For the fans, it’s a moment of pride and excitement for what lies ahead. The Wildcats’ resurgence under Kyra Elzy has injected new energy into the program, and the future looks incredibly bright.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kentucky Women’s Basketball?
As Kentucky moves forward, the program is in an excellent position to continue its upward trajectory. With a talented core of players, a proven coaching staff, and a solid recruiting pipeline, the Wildcats are poised to remain a force in the SEC and nationally.
The return of Kentucky to the AP Top 25 signals to recruits that the program is on the rise, making it an attractive option for top high school players looking to compete at the highest level. Elzy’s leadership, combined with the success of the 2024-2025 season, will continue to attract talent to Lexington.
Additionally, Kentucky will look to build on the lessons learned from their NCAA Tournament run. The team will need to continue to grow in key areas, such as consistency and mental toughness, to ensure that they can make deeper runs in future tournaments.