Three Hokie legends graduated on Friday, ending the best era in Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball history.
The greatest era in Virginia Tech women’s basketball is officially over. The two greatest players in school history — center Elizabeth Kitley and guard Georgia Amoore — graduated on Friday. Cayla King, another Hokie legend, also graduated on Friday, as did forward Olivia Summiel, who spent her final collegiate season in Blacksburg.
Congrats to all four ladies. Kitley, King, and Summiel all received a Master’s Degree, while Amoore graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree and has one year of college eligibility remaining. She will play her final season at Kentucky, following former head coach Kenny Brooks.
Which leads us to our next point.
Did you catch the latest episode of the “Queens of Cassell” podcast? It was the first episode since late February, and a lot has happened. The popular podcast hosted by Amoore and Kitley covered their time in Blacksburg and recent events.
Kitley talked about her time in Blacksburg and her love for Virginia Tech. She is a Hokie and will always be a Hokie. At the same time, she will always support her former coach — Brooks — who was instrumental in her development.
Amoore discussed her last couple of months in Blacksburg. It hasn’t been enjoyable, and that stinks. She talked of some of the things people have told her, messaged her, and stopped her on the street, and it’s really unfair.
Fans have been upset since Brooks departed and never said goodbye. Fans are justified in feeling the way they want. Brooks did a lot for the Hokies, but how hard would it have been to make a note on his iPhone and post it on his social media account to thank the fans and community that embraced him?
Regardless, he didn’t, and it’s over. No one should wish ill will toward Brooks or his family. He did some great things in Blacksburg. Appreciate his time and move on. The Hokies have a new coach who has embraced Virginia Tech. Let’s focus on her, her players and the program. You don’t have to root for Brooks. You don’t have to taunt him or his family or former players on social media, either.
That leads us to Amoore. It was sad listening to her discuss her final couple of months in Blacksburg. She explained why she was following Brooks to Lexington. He sold her on Blacksburg. Yes, she grew to love Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, but Brooks was a central figure in her life. She still graduated from Virginia Tech. Now, she is going to help Brooks in his new home the way he helped her. Whether you like it or not, it’s understandable from her perspective.
She doesn’t deserve any hate or ugly messages on social media. Hokie Nation is better than that. Amoore, Kitley and King gave us all wonderful memories to cherish for years to come. That’s worth celebrating. You don’t have to root for Kentucky. In fact, if you love Virginia Tech, you should only be rooting for the Hokies. But that doesn’t mean you should root against Amoore. Wish her well. Root for her continued success. She has earned that.
Amoore explaining her last few months shows the ugly side of social media. It’s often an awful place and doesn’t represent the majority of any fan base—especially Hokie Nation.
Amoore is a Hokie and will always be a Hokie. Yes, she will spend one season at Kentucky, but she should always be welcomed in Blacksburg. The Hokies should do everything in their power to ensure she comes back to town frequently to support the school and the program. Don’t make her not want to return. That’s unfair.
Congrats to all four ladies on their massive accomplishments. Once a Hokie, always a Hokie.