Elizabeth Kitley learning under ‘supportive and amazing’ A’ja Wilson

The Las Vegas Aces are fortunate to have one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time in A’ja Wilson on their team.

However, Wilson cannot reasonably be asked to play every minute of every game, so depth is important to lighten the load on the Aces superstar. Megan Gustafson was brought aboard last offseason for that exact purpose, but the Aces will be without her services to start the season due to a leg injury she suffered during training camp. The Aces will need players to step up in her absence.

One option is Elizabeth Kitley, who is ready to step up after missing her rookie season recovering from injury.

Kitley is taking the opportunity to learn under one of the best to ever play the game.

During the Aces’ Media Day, Kitley was asked about what it was like being mentored by Wilson as she continues to develop her game.

“A’ja’s been the most supportive and amazing vet I could imagine,” Kitley said during her in-person media availability. “She sets such a good example and, obviously, she’s one of the greatest to ever play the game, so to be able to watch her so much and learn from her is amazing.”

Kitley also acknowledged how Wilson has helped make her not only a better player on the court, but also praised the veteran for being a great person off of it.

“She’s an even better person to be around, and that’s honestly what means more to me,” Kitley continued. “I feel like she makes a conscious effort to do that, but that’s also just who she is. She’s just a really good person, a fun person to be around, and her energy’s infectious. She brings a really good vibe to the team.”

Kitley makes her professional debut with much fanfare, deservedly so with her success at Virginia Tech.

A five-year player with the Hokies, Kitley has arguably been the best player Virginia Tech has ever seen come out of their program. Kitley earned several honors during her collegiate career, winning ACC Player of the Year three times and finishing twice as a second-team All-American. Her time at Virginia Tech came to an abrupt end, however, when she tore her ACL during one of her final games.

The injury did not deter the Aces from seeing the value Kitley can bring to their team, however, drafting her in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Now fully healthy, Kitley is ready to seize the opportunity and prove that she can be just as dominant in the pros as she was at Virginia Tech.