Kyra Elzy utilizes social media on the Kentucky WBB recruiting trail

Head coach Kyra Elzy has traveled across the country to recruit talented, young prospects. Now, she’s pumping out Kentucky propaganda from her own backyard.

Do you have what it takes?

This summer, Elzy has used Twitter as a megaphone to explain what it means to be a Wildcat. She’s recorded videos of herself in her office, the Joe Craft Center and even the Oldham County train tracks. She’s recorded by herself, with players and fellow coaches, but her message is always consistent.

“Do you bring energy? That’s what we’re looking for at the University of Kentucky. Someone who is relentless on the defensive end, who’s going to make hustle plays, and looking to push the ball in transition,” Elzy said in a video posted to Twitter on July 5.

Elzy and her staff have been vocal about building a strong Kentucky culture and it starts with recruiting. Each Elzy message is a questionnaire to recruits, asking if they have what it takes to play at Kentucky.

July is a long month to be evaluated, and we know everything won't go your way. So, we want to see how you respond to adversity. 🏀💪🏾 #JulyRecruiting pic.twitter.com/DhiPR1C2Df

— Kyra Elzy (@UKCoachLZ) July 22, 2022

Kyra Elzy sets the example

Elzy wants players who are high-energy, have a good attitude and are hard-working. Furthermore, Elzy represents these traits in her coaching style. Her leadership doesn’t go unnoticed.

“[Elzy] truly cares about every single one of the girls on this team,” Oregon transfer Maddie Scherr said in an interview with KSR on July 7. “Coaches are so busy. It’s ridiculous. They’re trying to recruit in the future and then they got this team to worry about now, but she really is a player’s coach.”

From the horse’s mouth

As a central piece in Elzy’s culture, sophomore Jada Walker was featured in one of Elzy’s online messages. When asked what separates Kentucky defensively from other programs, Walker was quick to answer.

“We bring the heat to the ball. We’re aggressive on defense. It’s going to be hard for you to get it up the floor this year,” Walker said in the video posted on July 21. “At the SEC, you’re ready to pick anybody up.”

Walker isn’t the only player to back up Elzy’s announcements. Senior Emma King and Scherr were in a video Elzy posted on July 23. Once again, Elzy asked her players what separates Kentucky from other colleges.

Future Wildcats, are you the CULTURE PLAYER that we need? Learn what it takes to stay on our radar. You can hear it straight from our Kentucky girls @emma_king34 & @madd1escherr.

You have to be BUILT DIFFERENT. 💯#CommitToIt 🏀💫 pic.twitter.com/ed0X8XsL09

— Kyra Elzy (@UKCoachLZ) July 23, 2022

With an SEC championship in March, Elzy undeniably had a successful season despite the rough start. Nonetheless, great coaches don’t simply improve a program, they evolve it to the next level. Elzy’s online messages are a precursor to a hopeful new era.