Written by Keith Taylor
Kentucky today
The University of Kentucky's search for a women's basketball coach ended Tuesday.
Kenny Brooks spent the past eight seasons at Virginia Tech, amassing a 180-82 record as the Hokies' coach and leading Virginia Tech to the Final Four last season. During the 2022-23 season, Brooks led the Hokies to a school-record 31 wins.
Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks yelled to his players during the first half of the game against Virginia March: 3. (Photo by Mike Kropf, Associated Press, via Kentucky Today)
“We are very excited to welcome Kenny Brooks to the University of Kentucky,” said Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart. “Kenny has a strong resume with a track record of player development and championships at James Madison and Virginia Tech. His excellent coaching and vision for this program and getting us there is great.” His passion, combined with his desire to grow and grow, makes him the perfect fit to be the head coach of the Wildcats. We look forward to introducing Kenny, (wife) Chrissy, and their family to the Big Blue Nation.”
During his eight years in Blacksburg, Brooks led Virginia Tech to 20 or more wins in seven of his eight seasons. He also served as head coach at James Madison. Brooks compiled a record of 517 wins and 204 losses in 22 seasons as head coach.
“I am very pleased to be named the head coach of the Kentucky women's basketball program,” Brooks said. “From the Big Blue Nation and the stunning scenery of the Bluegrass State to the UK Athletics brand and competing in the Southeastern Conference, my family and I are excited about this new chapter in our lives. I would like to thank Virginia Tech for the most enjoyable journey of my coaching career, and the University of Kentucky and UK Athletics for this new opportunity. A positive atmosphere, a winning environment, and a big team. We will not waste any time building a sustainable program that the Blue Nation is proud of.”
Virginia Tech said Brooks took the program to new heights during his tenure.
“We hired Kenney in 2016 to revitalize our women's basketball program,” said Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Whit Babcock. “Needless to say, Kenny and his staff and student-athletes have built a culture of excellence on and off the court. He was a great representative of the university and we wish Kenny and his family every success in the next chapter of his career.”
