News Summary
As the Kentucky women’s basketball team prepares for the upcoming season, head coach Kenny Brooks is navigating significant roster changes. Key players have left, but the team welcomes experienced transfers and anticipates contributions from rising talents. With a blend of returning players and newcomers, Brooks aims to build a competitive lineup that can thrive in the SEC. The season kicks off on November 3 against Morehead State, and fans are eager to see how these changes will impact the Wildcats’ performance.
Lexington, KY – As the Kentucky women’s basketball team gears up for a new season, head coach Kenny Brooks is facing questions about whether this year’s roster can replicate the past season’s success. The Wildcats, who finished fourth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and hosted the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year, have begun their summer workouts and are excited about their potential.
Currently, all returning players, except for incoming freshman Elsa Vadfors, are on campus for the summer training sessions. Among the returning starters are Clara Strack, Amelia Hassett, and Teonni Key, alongside rising sophomore Lexi Blue. However, the team has seen significant changes to its roster, as six out of the 13 scholarship players have left the program since last season, including key seniors Georgia Amoore and Dazia Lawrence.
This year’s roster will benefit from the addition of three experienced transfers: Asia Boone from Liberty, Josie Gilvin from Western Kentucky, and Tonie Morgan from Georgia Tech. Each of these players brings valuable experience and skill to the team. Asia Boone was recognized as the Conference USA Freshman of the Year in 2024, subsequently averaging 10.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in her following seasons. Josie Gilvin contributed 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last year at Western Kentucky, while Tonie Morgan earned All-ACC honors during her time at Georgia Tech, where she averaged 13.7 points and 5.6 assists in her junior year.
In addition to the transfers, the team is expecting contributions from incoming players Vadfors and Kaelyn “KK” Carroll, a highly touted 2025 McDonald’s All-American. Carroll is regarded as the highest-ranked prospect to join the Wildcats since 2020 and has accumulated several accolades during her high school career. Additionally, the team is keenly anticipating the debuts of Jordan Obi from Penn and Dominika Paurová from Oregon State, who both missed last season due to injuries. Obi had a notable career at Penn, averaging 14.7 points and leading her team in rebounds before her injury. Meanwhile, Paurová played a significant role in Oregon State’s Elite Eight run last year and is recovering from an ACL injury sustained while representing her country.
With these roster changes, Brooks believes the team will be less dependent on individual players compared to last season. He has emphasized that the current depth of the lineup enhances the team’s confidence heading into the season. This depth is crucial following last year’s difficulties with injuries and a constrained rotation that limited player effectiveness on the court.
The coaching staff has also been selective in utilizing the transfer portal, looking for players who align with the Wildcats’ style of play. Brooks has set the objective of harnessing the experiences of returning players while effectively integrating new transfers into the team’s dynamics, making for a balanced and competitive team.
The Wildcats’ upcoming schedule features home games against teams such as Morehead State, Monmouth, and Purdue, with additional challenges in the SEC to follow. The new season officially kicks off on November 3 against Morehead State. The combination of returning talents, promising new players, and strong transfers gives insight into an exciting season ahead for the Kentucky women’s basketball team.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jack Logsdon Commits to Western Kentucky University Basketball
WKU Football Program Undergoes Major Changes
Bowling Green Schools Appoint New Athletic Directors
WKU Student Charged After Disruption at Speech Competition
Western Kentucky University Hosts NCAA East Regionals
Kiwanis Club Celebrates 27th Annual Soap Box Derby
Local Man Arrested for DUI After Tractor-Trailer Crash
Ryan Wideman Transfers to Clemson After Stellar Season
Ryan Wideman Enters College Baseball Transfer Portal
Clemson University Signs All-American Outfielder
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: UK Women’s Basketball Season Preview
- MSN: Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks Meet & Greet
- WLKY: Kenny Brooks’ Second Season at UK Basketball
- LEX18: Coach Brooks and Coach Pope Meet & Greet
- Fox 56 News: Pope and Brooks Autograph Signing
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats Women’s Basketball
- Google Search: Kentucky Women’s Basketball
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Women’s Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Wildcats Women’s Basketball
- Google News: Kentucky Women’s Basketball


