Duke WBB hires Kyra Elzy as an assistant coach

After going 61-60 at the helm at the University of Kentucky, Kyra Elzy was ultimately let go following the conclusion of the season. As a head coach, it seemed like things just couldn’t get where they needed to be. However, when Elzy was an assistant, she proved she could thrive in that role.

So, on Monday morning, Duke of all programs announced that Kyra Elzy would be an assistant coach for the Blue Devils.

The Sisterhood just got stronger!!!

👊🏽👊🏽💙 @CoachLZ pic.twitter.com/Y0F3FwnMwM

— Duke Women’s Basketball (@DukeWBB) June 10, 2024

“This is a big day for Duke Basketball,” Duke coach Kara Lawson said in a press release. “We are thrilled to welcome Kyra Elzy to The Sisterhood! She will immediately raise the level in our program. Kyra brings great integrity, tactical ability and passion to Durham. She is one of the best relationship builders I’ve been around. She’s been an elite player and coach. I look forward to pursuing championships together again!”

Lawson and Elzy are both former Tennessee Volunteers, and they played together under the legendary Pat Summitt. Lawson played at Tennessee from 1999-03, while Elzy was there from 1996-01.

In the two seasons Lawson and Elzy played together, the lady Vols reached the national championship game and the Sweet 16 the following year. The team had a record of 64-7 (27-1 in the SEC) during that span, winning the SEC both years. Dominance at its finest.

The former Kentucky coach will now don the not-so-good blue and white under her former teammate. Duke should be a borderline top 10 team this season, and adding Elzy will only make the Blue Devils stronger.