Kyra Elzy Ready for Second Season as WBB Head Coach

While Kyra Elzy may have a season under her belt as head coach, it certainly wasn’t a typical debut. Elzy was shoved into the limelight last year after previous head coach Matthew Mitchell suddenly resigned due to health issues. With a full offseason and no insane timelines, Elzy is ready to paint her masterpiece.

Facing the pressure

Being named head coach only two weeks out from the first game of the season isn’t an easy situation for anyone. Nevertheless, Elzy acknowledges the pressurized dilemma may have helped form her into something better.

“I got baptized by fire. Last year, it was just a lot. I felt like I was in a whirlwind all year,” Elzy said. “At the end of the year I was meeting with Mr. Barnhart and he was like, ‘How did it feel all year when you felt like you were drinking water out of a fire hose?’ and I was like, ‘Yes that is it!’”

Lessons Elzy learned along the way

Despite being under pressure that felt like a firehose, Elzy was still able to ignite her team to perform at a high level. The rookie head coach led the ‘Cats to an 18-9 record before being bounced out of the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Although Elzy undoubtedly had to focus on each task at hand, she was able to look around and notice a few lessons along the way.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned — you know it as an assistant coach but it’s different when you move over — setting the tone early and being consistent in your message,” Elzy said. “However you say it’s going to be stick to that and hold them to the fire. They will respond to it.”

Using the past to improve the present

Elzy may be the tone-setter now, but she surely isn’t an iron-fisted leader. In fact, Elzy has always been a player’s coach. Being a former player herself, Elzy excels when it comes to relating to players.

Though her relationship may be different with players now, her knowledge of each individual hasn’t changed. Elzy feels her previous coaching style is beneficial to her new position.

“I think me being the assistant coach first and having a hand in recruiting all of them to Kentucky and having a relationship — when we were all going through the transition having the relationships was something we could all fall back on as we were figuring it out together,” Elzy said.

“I had always said when I became a head coach I want to make sure I maintain great relationships with the players. Have open dialogue. Have honest dialogue, both ways. So, that has really been a point of emphasis to make sure that I stay connected with them.”

With Elzy’s bond only seemingly growing over the offseason with her ‘Cats, she’s followed through on her goal. If BBN is lucky, this won’t be the only goal Elzy achieves this season.