The beginning of Liz Kitley’s WNBA journey has been difficult.
Valkyries just signed previously-waived college basketball star
Elizabeth Kitley has signed a seven-day hardship contract with the Valkyries.
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Noa Dalzell is a senior writer covering the WNBA and all of women’s basketball for Breakaway, SB Nation’s women’s sports vertical, as well as the Celtics for CelticsBlog.
Kitley, the 6’6 center who was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, tore her ACL in her senior year of college and missed her rookie season. She appeared in 12 games for the Aces this season — averaging 8.2 minutes per game — before being waived in late June.
But the former Virginia Tech star is now getting another opportunity: the Golden State Valkyries have signed her to a seven-day hardship contract in the wake of a knee injury suffered by Tiffany Hayes. Hayes is out for at least a week with the injury, and as such, the Valkyries can sign a hardship player.
What Liz Kitley brings to the Valkyries
The Valkyries — winners of four straight games — currently have the league’s 6th-best record, but are battling for playoff positioning. Kitley will provide some center depth for the remainder of the regular season, which concludes on September 11th.
Of late, the Valkyries frontcourt has been anchored by Iliana Rupert, Janelle Salaun, and Temi Fagbenle. Kitley will provide additional depth in this regard.
In five seasons at Virginia Tech, Kitley averaged 17.9 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 55.2% from the field. She was a three-time MVP of the ACC.
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