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LEXINGTON, Ky. – Matthew mitchell, the most successful head coach in Kentucky women’s basketball history with more than 300 wins, announced Thursday that he has retired from coaching, stepping down as head coach of the Wildcats . UK Director of Athletics Mitch barnhart appointed associate head coach Kyra Elzy as Interim Head Coach, effective immediately.
Mitchell retires with a career record of 333-162, including a 303-133 mark at Kentucky. This is the first head coaching position for Elzy, who has served as an NCAA assistant coach since 2002, including associate head coach titles at Kentucky and Tennessee.
Barnhart and Elzy will hold a press conference Friday at 9:30 am ET.
Declaration of Matthew mitchell
“After long conversations with my family and Mr. Barnhart, I decided to retire from training and I did indeed step down as head coach in Kentucky. It was a tough decision and I know the timing is not right, but I don’t think I can give the job what it needs right now. As it received a lot more publicity, I had a hectic offseason with my injury and subsequent surgery. I have been open to the fact that the surgery and the recovery process has changed my life and my family. As a result, my priorities towards my family and my faith became even higher than before and it led me to make this decision. While so much about today is sad because of the relationships and people who have steadily increased my family and myself over the past 13 years, I am resolute in my decision and comfortable starting the next chapter of my life. To the current players, thank you for all the support and love you have shown me, not just this year, but in your past. Each of you has truly left a lasting impact on me and I will treasure our time together. To my former players, assistant coaches and support staff – each of you has made me a better person and I will always be listening and a word of encouragement whenever you need it. I would also be remiss if I did not thank Mr Barnhart, Lee T. Todd and Eli Capilouto for their commitment and support to women’s basketball in Kentucky and for giving me many years ago a chance to. to be part of this great university. At Big Blue Nation 13 years ago you welcomed my family and I with open arms and Jenna and I are forever grateful. Kentucky is our home and this university and this community is beautifully unique and special and we are so lucky to have this place in our lives. Finally, I want to thank Kyra Elzy, Niya butts, Amber smith, Amy Tilley and all of our current support staff for all of their hard work during the offseason and preseason as the program navigated uncharted waters. I believe with all my heart that the best place for a young woman to go to college and become a better person ready to take on what society has in store is at the University of Kentucky. I am firm in this belief because I know that the people in this program spend every second of every day focusing on how to improve the lives of others. Kyra has done an incredible job running the program over the past few months. She is one of the best coaches in college basketball and has shown that throughout her career as a top tactician, elite scout and, most importantly, she is of the highest character. I have the utmost confidence in her to lead Kentucky women’s basketball to future success. ”
Declaration for Mitch barnhart sure Matthew mitchell
“As our most successful trainer ever, Matthew mitchell has taken us through so many great moments in Kentucky basketball history, with over 300 wins, one SEC Championship and many NCAA tournament appearances. He has been a great ambassador for the University of Kentucky, on and off the field, bringing an energy and style of play that has made the game fun for players and fans alike. Additionally, Matthew and Jenna have woven themselves into the fabric of the community with immense generosity of time, treasure and spirit. Matthew, Jenna and their children will always be part of the Wildcat family and we wish them the best as they enter the next stage of their lives. ”
Statement from the Interim Head Coach Kyra Elzy
“Coach Mitchell means so much to me and I owe him a great deal of gratitude for his guidance throughout my coaching career. It’s not an easy day for any of us as we learn to take his skills. decision to retire. My immediate focus is on our players and making sure they deal with this change that has happened so abruptly. As you can understand, this has been difficult for them to deal with. We have met with them. players and their families tonight and we assured them that this program I want to thank Mr Barnhart, President Capilouto and our administration for trusting me as interim head coach. Coach Mitchell put this program on its way to distinguished success, and as Interim Head Coach I promise our staff will work tirelessly to ensure the program continues to build on the success that Coach Mitchell knew at Kentucky. “
Declaration of Mitch barnhart sure Kyra Elzy
“Kyra has been by Matthew’s side for much of the success we’ve had and she is a proven teacher, leader and recruiter. We look forward to spending more time with her as she further develops her style and his philosophy while leading us to the next chapter of Kentucky basketball. “
For more information on the Kentucky Women’s Basketball Team, visit UKathletics.com or follow @KentuckyWBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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