The dynamic relationship between Rhyne Howard and Kyra Elzy

Rhyne Howard is a Kentucky legend whose accomplishments are endless. Kyra Elzy is a young head coach earning her stripes with every win. The pair’s self-described “love-hate” relationship is fascinating.

On Friday afternoon, Howard and Elzy held a press conference ahead of the team’s Senior Day on Sunday, or as they’re calling it, “Rhyne Howard Day.” While the pair discussed their upcoming game against Auburn, the conference quickly became a rare chance for Elzy and Howard to discuss their player-coach relationship.

Kyra Elzy’s hopes for Rhyne Howard

Early in the press conference, Elzy was asked how she wanted to see Howard finish her career. She responded with admiration for her All-American.

“Obviously, us continuing to win and send her out like she deserves,” Elzy said. “It’s been a process, and we’ve had ups and downs, and she stayed loyal and weathered the storm.”

It hasn’t been an easy year for the ‘Cats. Due to injuries and suspensions, the team began conference play 2-8. Nonetheless, fueled by Howard, the ‘Cats are on a five-game winning streak as the season comes to a close and on the brink of making the NCAA Tournament.

Memories of recruiting the superstar

Howard’s endless energy reserves aren’t new to the ‘Cats. Elzy, herself, played a major role in recruiting Howard to Kentucky. The second-year head coach jokingly reflected on recruiting a young Rhyne Howard.

“I’ll never forget when during the process when her mom and her called us and they were trying to pull our chain a little bit, and it took her a while before she said yes, but we were very thankful.”

Elzy’s work with Howard didn’t stop there. When Howard was a freshman, Elzy was the one who taught her to finish through contact. Moreover, Elzy was the one who showed Howard how to maximize her athleticism. Howard recognized Elzy’s loyalty and has returned it every step of the way.

“I don’t like to quit. When I signed here, I knew I was gonna finish all four of my years. Yes, I had my days where I didn’t want to be here, but I dug down,” Howard said during the press conference. “I don’t have any regrets.”

Elzy’s perspective of Howard’s adversity through the years was a bit more lighthearted.

“She used to get so mad at me when we would do the finish moves and position work, and she would want to leave,” Elzy laughed as she reflected on the memories.

Rhyne Howard and Kyra Elzy’s relationship

Despite Howard and Elzy’s differences, their respect for one another is evident. They’re not just a player and a coach, but friends. Elzy spoke on the pair’s relationship.

“We have a love-hate relationship,” Elzy said. “We have a great relationship and an honest relationship. She doesn’t always like what I have to say or vice versa, but we figure it out.”

Through four years, the two friends have had plenty of memorable experiences. From taking piano lessons together to suffering through a boot camp, Elzy and Howard have nearly done it all. Now, all they want to do is win in March.

Before the pair can achieve this goal, they’ll have to take down the Auburn Tigers. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum on Sunday afternoon. Senior Day festivities are scheduled to begin at 3:40. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.