Lexington, Q. – Matthew Mitchell, The winning head coach with more than 300 wins in Kentucky women’s basketball history, announced on Thursday that he has retired from coaching, thus resigning as head coach of the Wildcats. Director of UK Athletics Mitch Barnhart The associate head coach is named Cara LG As interim head coach, effective immediately.
Mitchell retires with a career record of 333-162, including a mark of 303-133 in Kentucky. This is the first head coaching position for Elzy, who has served as an NCAA assistant coach since 2002, including the title of associate head coach in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Barnhart and Elzy will hold a news conference on ET on Friday at 9:30 p.m.
Statement from Matthew Mitchell
“After much discussion with my family and Mr. Barnhart, I have decided to retire from coaching and effectively resign as head coach in Kentucky. This was a difficult decision and I know the timing is not ideal, but I don’t think I Give him the job he wants at the moment. As has become very popular, I do not do aggressive off-fee ason with my injury and subsequent surgery. I am open about how the surgery and recovery process is changing my life and my family. By the way, my priorities and my faith in my family have grown even bigger than before and that has led me to make this decision. However, today is a very sad day because I have lost relationships and people I will miss it so much. For my family and my last 13 years, I have been olute in my decision and comfortable from the beginning of the next chapter of my life. Thanks. But yeah Each of you in the past has really left a lasting impression on me and I will cherish 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 extend a listening ear and a word of encouragement whenever you need me. I thank Mr. Bernhart, Lee T., for his commitment and support to women’s basketball in Kentucky. I wouldn’t thank Ted and Ellie Capiloto and would be disappointed if they gave me the opportunity to be a part of this great university many years ago. To the Big Blue Nation, 13 years ago you welcomed me and my family with open arms and Jenna and I am forever grateful. Kentucky is our home and this university and community is beautifully unique and special and we are blessed to have achieved this place in our lives. Finally, I want to thank you Cara LG, Nia Butts, Amber Smith, Amy Tilly And each of our current support staff has navigated unfamiliar waters like this se fisson na and bias program for their hard work. I believe with every ounce of my heart that the best place for a young woman to go to a college lodge and be a better person to cope with what society collects is at the University of Kentucky. I am adamant in that belief because I know that people in this program focus on how to make someone else’s life better in every second of every day. Kyara has done a wonderful job of leading the program over the last few months. He is one of the best coaches in college college basketball and has shown that he is one of the top ranked skilled, select recruits in his career and most of all he is of the highest character. I am very confident to lead the Kentucky Women’s Basketball Club to future success. ”
Statement for Mitch Barnhart On Matthew Mitchell
“As our most winning coach, Matthew Mitchell Kentucky led us to more than 300 wins, SEC championships and numerous NCAA tournament appearances from some of the biggest moments in basketball history. On and off the court, he has been a great ambassador to the University of Kentucky, bringing an energy holiday and a style of play that will make it equally enjoyable for players and fans. In addition, Matthew and Jenna have woven themselves into the fabric of the community with an incredible generosity of time, treasure, and spirit. Matthew, Jenna and their children will always be part of the Wildcat family and we wish them all the best as they enter the next phase of their lives. ”
Statement from the interim head coach Cara LG
“Coach Mitchell is very meaningful to me and I am very grateful to him for his guidance throughout my coaching career. It has not been an easy day for any of them as we are gripping his decision to retire. My immediate focus is on our players On and make sure they are dealing with the change that happened accidentally. As you can understand, this is difficult for them to process. We met with the players and their families this evening and assured them that the program Stay on the same principles going forward. I thank Mr. Bernhardt, President Kil Piloto and our administration for trusting me as interim head coach. We promise that our staff will work tirelessly to ensure that the program continues to build on the success we have had in Kentucky. “
Statement from Mitch Barnhart On Cara LG
“Kaira has been very successful with Matthew and is a proven teacher, leader and recruiter. As we move on to the next chapter, she develops her style and philosophy further, as we continue to spend more time with her. See Kentucky Basketball. “
For more information about the Kentucky women’s basketball team, visit eukathletics.com or follow @KentuckyWBB Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
