The No. 22 University of Kentucky women’s basketball team will launch its 2024-25 season at home against USC Upstate on Monday, Nov. 4, at 5 p.m. ET in the newly renovated Historic Memorial Coliseum. This game not only marks Kentucky’s 51st season as a varsity program but also the debut of head coach Kenny Brooks. Fans attending the season opener will receive commemorative tickets, rally towels, and clear bags. Tickets for this game and all 16 home games are still available for purchase.
Broadcast coverage will include SEC Network+ with Jeff Piecoro and Christi Thomas, as well as UK Sports Network radio featuring Darren Headrick. Headrick returns for his eighth season as the radio voice of the Wildcats, with the game aired on 98.5 FM ICONS (Lexington), 790 AM WKRD (Louisville), and SiriusXM channels 161 or 191.
A Season of Firsts
Kentucky’s opener signifies several historic “firsts” for the program, including Coach Brooks’ inaugural game at UK and the debut of the $82 million renovated Memorial Coliseum. Additionally, this season saw a record-breaking sellout of season tickets, with over 3,200 fans supporting the Wildcats. Kentucky’s roster is largely revamped, featuring 11 new players alongside returning junior guards Saniah Tyler and Cassidy Rowe.
Among the newcomers is All-American point guard Georgia Amoore, who followed Brooks from Virginia Tech to Kentucky. Already named to the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Watch List and the Preseason All-SEC First Team, Amoore will team up with redshirt senior Dazia Lawrence to form one of the oldest and most experienced backcourts in the nation. Lawrence, who transferred from Charlotte, averaged 18.2 points per game last season, while Amoore posted 18.8 points per game at Virginia Tech. Other impact players include Amelia Hassett, who averaged 19.0 points at Eastern Florida State College, and sophomore Clara Strack, a 6-5 center also from Virginia Tech, known for her NCAA Tournament performances.
Coach Kenny Brooks at the Helm
Brooks brings extensive coaching experience to Kentucky, boasting a 517-204 record over 22 seasons with just one losing season in his career. Brooks has guided his teams to 20 or more wins in 18 of his 22 seasons.
Unfortunately, two of Kentucky’s players—graduate guard Jordan Obi (Penn) and sophomore guard Dominika Paurová (Oregon State)—are sidelined indefinitely with lower-leg injuries.
Historical Matchup with USC Upstate
Kentucky leads the all-time series against USC Upstate 4-0, with their last meeting resulting in an 82-54 win on Nov. 11, 2023, at Rupp Arena. This marks the first time the Wildcats will face USC Upstate in consecutive seasons, setting the stage for an exciting home opener in Lexington.
