💜⚔️ Another chapter in the Valkyries’ inaugural season is being written. With veteran guard Tiffany Hayes ruled out for about a week due to a knee injury, the Golden State Valkyries have signed center Elizabeth Kitley to a seven-day hardship contract.
Hayes, who has been a steadying force all year, injured her knee on August 22 and will be re-evaluated next week. Her absence leaves a major hole in Golden State’s rotation, but the front office moved quickly to bring in size and depth.
Who is Elizabeth Kitley?
- 🏀 6-foot-6 center
- Drafted 24th overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft
- Played in 12 games this season, averaging 1.3 PPG and 1.4 RPG
- Returned this year after rehabbing a torn ACL that ended her college career
Kitley isn’t just another addition. She’s a legend at Virginia Tech, where her No. 33 jersey was retired after a record-setting career:
- 🥇 ACC’s all-time leading scorer (2,709 points)
- 🥇 ACC’s all-time leading rebounder (1,506 boards)
- ⚡ Career shooting: 55.2% from the field
She’ll once again wear No. 33 for Golden State and be available immediately for Thursday’s matchup against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center.
Why It Matters for Golden State
The Valkyries (currently fighting to lock down a playoff berth in their first-ever WNBA season) are no strangers to adversity. Already without All-Star Kayla Thornton (season-ending knee injury) and still awaiting Cecilia Zandalasini’s return from a calf strain, the roster has leaned heavily on its depth. Adding Kitley gives head coach Natalie Nakase another defensive anchor and potential spark off the bench.
Ballhalla Still Believes
Even through injuries, Golden State’s violet wave of fans has fueled a historic expansion run. With 20 straight sellouts at Chase Center and the playoffs within reach, every signing, every adjustment, and every game matters.
💜⚔️ Welcome to Ballhalla, Elizabeth Kitley. Let’s keep making history.
