A look into the 24-25 Kentucky Women's Basketball program
By Alyx White
Below you will find a player profile for each of the members of the 2024-25 Kentucky Women’s Basketball team. Please let us know if you see any information that needs to be corrected.
Georgia Amoore #3
Position: Guard
Class: Graduate Student
Height: 5’6”
Hometown: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
High School: Loretto College Ballarat (Ballarat Rush)
Previous College: Virginia Tech
Social Media: @georgia_amoore (X); @georgiaamoore (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Amoore? One of the most electrifying players in women’s college basketball in the 2023-24 season… expect nothing less in the 2024-25 season. Amoore was projected to be a 1st round draft pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, but she elected to use her graduate year and follow Head Coach Kenny Brooks to Kentucky instead. Amoore and Coach Brooks have a very special relationship and she is described by her coach as his “mini me.” It’s hard to put into words what you should expect from Amoore because she is such a dynamic player. She can truly contribute in so many ways and is a big difference maker on the court. Below you will see just a small glimpse of all the amazing things Amoore has accomplished the last 4 years.
Some career highlights provided by UK Athletics: In her 4 year career at Virginia Tech, she set a number of records: all-time career leader in assists (656), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.8), and average minutes played per game (34.3). She finished 2nd in career 3-pointers (330) and 3rd in scoring (1853). Last season, she was all over the ACC and nationwide leaderboards as well: 6.8 APG (1st in ACC/4th in the nation); 18.8 PPG (5th in ACC/41st in the nation); 85 made 3-pointers (2nd in ACC/20th in the nation). Amoore notched 9 double-doubles last season as well. She set new career-highs in assists (16 vs Houston Christian) and points (39 vs Virginia).
2023-24 Statistics (VT) & Career Awards
18.8 PPG
2.6 RPG
6.8 APG
41.2% FG
33.5% 3-PT FG
85.9% FT
2023-24 John R. Wooden Award All-America Team
2023-24 Associated Press All-America Third Team
2023-24 USBWA All-America Third Team
2023-24 WBCA Region 1 Coaches All-American
2023-24 Nancy Lieberman Award Finalist
2024 All-ACC Tournament Team Second Team
2x All-ACC First Team (2022-23, 2023-24)
2023 Most Outstanding Player of Seattle 3 Region
2022-23 Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention
2022-23 WBCA All-America Honorable Mention
2023 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament MVP
2x All-ACC Tournament Team First Team (2021-22, 2022-23)
3x ACC All-Academic Team (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23)
2x ACC Academic Honor Roll (2020-21, 2021-22)
2021-22 All-ACC Honorable Mention
2020-21 ACC All-Freshman Team
Tanah Becker #8
Position: Guard
Class: Freshman
Height: 6’1”
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
High School: Hamilton Heights Christian Academy
Social Media: @tanah.becker (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Becker? I have to start by noting that Becker stuck by her commitment to the Cats even with the staff changes in the postseason. Originally from Canada, she has experience playing on the 16U Canadian National Team and in the Canada Games, among other big events. Most recently, she played high school ball at Hamilton Heights, a school that has produced some very talented girls basketball players, such as recent WNBA Draft pick Kamilla Cardoso and two players who made stops at Kentucky – Jazmine Massengill and Treasure Hunt. Becker brings a lot of intensity and active hands defensively. She does a great job weaving through defenders to get to the rim. Becker also has a high release on her shot and she sees the floor well.
2023-24 Statistics (HS) & Career Awards
12 PPG
4.5 RPG
3.3 SPG
2.6 APG
1.3 BPG
43% FG
19% 3-PT FG
62% FT
FIBA Americas Silver Medal (2020)
WNBA Basketball Without Borders All-Star (2023)
Named to the All-Canadian Game [Biosteel] (2023 & 2024)
Lexi Blue #4
Position: Wing
Class: Freshman
Height: 6’2”
Hometown: Orlando, FL
High School: Lake Highland Prep
Social Media: @Lexi_blue5 (X); @lexi_blue4 (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Blue? While I haven’t gotten to watch Blue play in person, scouts I trust a lot have a lot of positive things to say about her and I could certainly see why based on the film I watched on her. Blue can score at all 3 levels and has a lot of versatility in her game. She can play and defend multiple positions. She can get past defenders off the bounce and does a good job creating looks for her teammates and for herself. On top of shooting the 3 at a high percentage, Blue has a strong midrange game and does a good job mixing up where and how she scores the ball. She’s also a proven winner, winning FIVE state championships in high school. You never know how long it will take a high school recruit to adjust to the college game, but Blue is used to playing with and against some high-level talent, so you can count on her being ready to compete from day one.
2023-24 Statistics (HS) & Career Awards
13.9 PPG
5.1 RPG
1.8 APG
1.1 SPG
50% FG
41% 3-PT FG
72% FT
Finished as the 40th Ranked Player in the 2024 Class (ESPNW)
Gabby Brooks #11
Position: Guard
Class: Sophomore
Height: 5’10”
Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA
High School: Blacksburg High School
Social Media: @gabsbrooks1 (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Brooks? Gabby is the 3rd Brooks’ daughter to play under her dad. I think this really speaks to the relationship Coach Brooks has with his daughters because they all chose to play under him even if that meant limited playing time. As far as Gabby goes, you can expect a player who’s going to work extremely hard. In high school, she could knock down multiple 3’s while also finishing inside on both sides of the rim. She made some scrappy plays defensively and did a good job getting in the passing lanes. She was also a good volleyball player in high school.
2023-24 (Virginia Tech) - Did not compete and earned a redshirt in her true freshman season
Amelia Hassett #32
Position: Forward
Class: Junior
Height: 6’3”
Hometown: Albury New South Wales, Australia
High School: Tumut High School
Previous College: Eastern Florida State College
Social Media: @AmeliaHassett (X); @ameliahassett (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Hassett? JUCO or not, you won’t find very many players that put up the kind of numbers Hassett did last season across the board. She started all 32 games at EFSC and tallied 20 double-doubles. She increased her production in every single statistical category from her freshman season to her sophomore season, including nearly doubling her 3-point percentage. In fact, she hit 3+ triples in 11 different games last season. Hassett can be a very tough matchup for opposing teams because of her ability to score inside or out. She has a high release on her shot and makes some great moves around the basket, using her length very well. Hassett does a good job recognizing mismatches as well. Defensively, she has solid footwork and has shown an ability to block and alter shots around the rim. I know sometimes it takes some time to adjust going from JUCO to D1, but Hassett certainly has all of the skills to be successful at the D1 level.
2023-24 Statistics (EFSC) & Career Awards
19 PPG
12.7 RPG
3 APG
2.7 BPG
1.5 SPG
54.4% FG
40.4% 3-PT FG
85.2% FT
2023-24 Division I NJCAA All-America 3rd Team
Teonni Key #7
Position: Forward
Class: Junior
Height: 6’4”
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: Cary High School
Previous College: North Carolina
Social Media: @Tkey__13 (X); @teonnikeyy (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Key? Key has had to face a lot of adversity in the last few years, dealing with injuries that have kept her off the court for extended periods of time. However, she was a top-10 ranked player out of high school and was selected to the Jordan Brand Classic Girls National Team along with the McDonald’s All-American Girls Team. Key has a ton of skill and is a versatile player. She can defend multiple positions. Impressive shot-blocking skills. Runs the floor well. Good court vision. Tough moves down low. Can make some great drives to get into the paint or to the rim. Really can provide a lot of value on both ends of the court. While Key’s stats from last season may not overwhelm you, it’s important to remember that she put up those numbers in only 9.4 minutes per game. If her name sounds familiar, you may recognize her older sister, Tamari Key, who was a standout at Tennessee the past 5 seasons. A healthy Teonni Key could be big for the Lady Cats.
2023-24 Statistics (UNC) & Career Awards
2.7 PPG
2.5 RPG
0.6 BPG
47.2% FG
76.5% FT
Finished as the 9th Ranked Player in the 2021 Class (ESPNW)
Dazia Lawrence #10
Position: Guard
Class: Graduate Student
Height: 5’8”
Hometown: Greenville, NC
High School: Mallard Creek High School
Previous College: Charlotte
Social Media: @Dlaw10_ (X); @d.law10 (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Lawrence? When I watch game film, I’m constantly scribbling down notes I can use to evaluate a player. When it comes to Lawrence, I kept finding myself writing the world ‘quick:’ Quick handles, quick pull-up, quick hands defensively, quick passes off the bounce, etc. She doesn’t need much space to find ways to score. I watched her constantly score with defenders nearby simply by creating just enough separation to get her shot off or finish at the rim. Lawrence increased her numbers every single year at Charlotte. Last season, she scored in double figures in 26 games, going over 20 in 13 games and over 30 in 3 games. She also tallied a double-double in points and rebounds, along with points and assists. Adding a veteran guard like Lawrence gives Kentucky even more experience and another excellent scoring option who can also create for teammates and be disruptive defensively.
2023-24 Statistics (Charlotte) & Career Awards
18.2 PPG
4.2 RPG
2.7 APG
1.8 SPG
42.6% FG
31.3% 3-PT FG
80% FT
1,000th-Point Club
(Joined in win over Tulane)
2024 First Team American Athletic Conference
2024 Pre-Season Second Team American Athletic Conference
Named to AAC Weekly Honor Roll 5x in 23-24 Season
AAC Player of the Week (Jan. 2024)
2024 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum
Played for Team USA
in 2024 FIBA 3x3 U23
World Cup in Poland
2023 C-USA First Team
C-USA Player of the Week (2x - Nov. 2022 & Jan. 2023)
Jordan Obi #0
Position: Guard
Class: Graduate Student
Height: 6’1”
Hometown: Hartford, CT
High School: Choate Rosemary Hall
Previous College: University of Pennsylvania
Social Media: @joball23 (X); @ibonadroj (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Obi? Before even mentioning Obi’s talent, you’re getting a lot of experience playing at a high level. Last season, she finished in double figures in 22 games. She grabbed double-digit rebounds in 8 games, tallying 6 double-doubles. Obi’s season-highs in both categories came in the same game when she scored 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds (matched 13 rebounds later in the season as well) while shooting 4-of-7 from 3. Additional season-highs worth noting: 7 assists versus Harvard, 6 steals versus Marist, and 4 blocks versus UC San Diego. Her numbers prove that Obi can contribute in every way imaginable. She’s a 3-level scoring threat who sees the floor well and puts in some serious work on the boards. Obi has a lot of versatility in her game and has been a very tough match-up for opposing teams throughout her career at Penn. It’s also worth mentioning that Ivy League winter sports were canceled during her freshman year, so she reached the 1,000-point mark in only 3 seasons.
2023-24 Statistics (Penn) & Career Awards
14.8 PPG
7.7 RPG
2.3 APG
43.3% FG
38.6% 3-PT FG
82.7% FT
1,000th-Point Club
(25th Player in Penn History; 7th Fastest to mark in 74 Games)
2024 First Team All-Ivy
2024 Academic All-Ivy
2x Second Team All-Ivy
(2022 & 2023)
2x Second Team
All-Big 5 (2022 & 2023)
2x Ivy League Player of the Week (2023)
2022 CoBL.com All-City 6 Second Team
3x Ivy League Rookie of the Week (2021-22)
CoBL.com City 6 Rookie of the Month (Nov 2021)
Dominika Paurová #12
Position: Guard
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’1”
Hometown: Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic
High School: DME Academy
Previous College: Oregon State
Social Media: @DomiPaurova (X); @dpaurova (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Paurová? Let’s just say you can expect to see a lot from this talented sophomore once she is able to return to the court (sustained lower leg injury this summer). It truly isn’t surprising to see her name in nearly every statistical category at the end of a game. She is coming from a school that made it all the way to the Elite Eight last season and she played in every game for the Beavers. Paurová is a 3-level scoring threat who can weave through defenders and finish strong at the rim, or can knock down outside shots at a high clip. She has experience playing against some top international competition while representing Czech Republic in various international contests. Scoring in double figures multiple times as a freshman, she has already proven that she can make an instant impact at the P5 level and you can expect the same from her as a Wildcat.
2023-24 Statistics (Oregon St) & Career Awards
5.5 PPG
2.1 RPG
1.4 APG
48% FG
37.2% 3-PT FG
75% FT
2023-24 PAC-12 All-Freshman Team Honorable Mention
2024 Elite Eight Appearance
Czech Republic U14, U15, U18, U19 and U20 teams (2018-23)
Made the Czech Senior National team - FIBA Women’s Eurobasket
Sunshine Independent Athletic Association State Championship (DME Academy)
Cassidy Rowe #5
Position: Guard
Class: Junior
Height: 5’5”
Hometown: Virgie, KY
High School: Shelby Valley High School
Social Media: @crowe_523 (X); @crowe_523 (Instagram)
Rise Up Locker Room Link: https://cassidyrowe.itemorder.com/shop/home/
What can you expect to see from Rowe? You won’t find many players anywhere in the country that work harder than Rowe. You can expect to see her in the gym at any hour of any day working on her game. A true gym rat that loves the game and loves the University of Kentucky. Rowe has a very high basketball IQ and is always looking to create and make plays for her teammates. While she’s an excellent playmaker, opposing defenses also have to respect her ability to score it herself, especially with the deep range she has on her outside shot. Defensively, expect to see a lot of charges taken by Cassidy. She drew a charge in nearly every game (multiple in some games) even after taking a shot to the face last season. Rowe bleeds blue and is always a fan favorite for BBN.
2023-24 Statistics (UK) & Career Awards
2.6 PPG
1 RPG
1.3 APG
33.7% FG
29.8% 3-PT FG
77.8% FT
2022-23 SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll
Clara Silva #17
Position: Center
Class: Freshman
Height: 6’7”
Hometown: Faro, Portugal
Previous Stop: Unicaja Baloncesto (Malaga, Spain)
Social Media: @claravfsilva (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Silva? One of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 class. ESPN’s Shane Laflin said Silva would likely be a top-10 ranked prospect had she played in the US. However, she instead played professionally for Unicaja Baloncesto in Spain. While film is limited on Silva, the interest she had from a lot of top college programs in the nation says a lot about her potential. Of course the 6’7″ frame is going to help (she will be one of the tallest women’s players in the nation), but she has some serious skills to go along with that length. Silva moves well and has good footwork. Good vision and passing skills out of the post. Has an ability to finish over defenders and through contact around the basket. Nice soft touch around the rim. In the video below, you can get a glimpse into her overall game, showing her ability to score in a variety of ways while also being a strong rim protector. Silva has huge upside and is only going to get better going against a player like Clara Strack every day in practice.
2023 Statistics (U18 Women's European Championships)
18.1 PPG
11.6 RPG
2.3 BPG
1.6 APG
1.3 SPG
Complete domination 😳
— NextGen Hoops (@NextGenHoops) July 4, 2023
🇵🇹 Clara Silva's Group Phase statline is just ridiculous 🤯💥
📊 22.0 PTS | 11.0 REB | 2.3 AST | 2.0 BLK | 1.3 STL | 26.7 EFF#FIBAU18Europe x @fpbasquetebol pic.twitter.com/mhTiehrraO
Clara Strack #13
Position: Center
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’5”
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
High School: Hamburg High School
Previous College: Virginia Tech
Social Media: @ClaraStrack (X); @clarastrack_ (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Strack? I know some players get described as a “walking double-double,” but after averaging 24 PPG and 16 RPG in her senior year of high school, almost no one fit that description better than Strack. She obviously has good length, but she doesn’t just rely on her height down low. She has excellent footwork and can extend out to the perimeter. Strack came to Virginia Tech knowing she would be playing behind an All-American in Liz Kitley (also 3x ACC POTY). She did a great job contributing off the bench throughout the season and really stepped up when Kitley went down with a season-ending injury. In the Hokies last 5 games, Strack averaged 9.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG, and 1.2 APG while shooting 57.5% overall. In their 1st NCAA tournament game, she put up 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 28 minutes versus Marshall (also was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field). Strack followed that up with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists in 24 minutes versus Baylor.
2023-24 Statistics (VT) & Career Awards
4.5 PPG
4.1 RPG
1.2 BPG
56.4% FG
66.7% 3-PT FG
60.5% FT
Holds the All-Time Career Scoring Record at Hamburg HS (Boys or Girls)
Saniah Tyler #2
Position: Guard
Class: Junior
Height: 5’6”
Hometown: Florissant, MO
High School: Incarnate Word Academy
Social Media: @_saniah_tyler31 (X); @stthepg_ (Instagram)
What can you expect to see from Tyler? Tyler is a very well-rounded player who brings intensity on both sides of the ball. She had multiple steals in 5+ games her sophomore season and was constantly getting her hands on the ball defensively. Tyler hit a lot of big shots for the Cats as well. She can knock down triples with very deep range and a quick release. Opposing teams aren’t safe, even in transition, as Saniah always catches the ball ready to fire, but also can use her quick first step to get past the defense. She is a player that can play any guard position effectively and when she steps on the floor, expect to see a true competitor.
2023-24 Statistics (UK) & Career Awards
10.2 PPG
1.8 RPG
0.7 SPG
34.3% FG
34.5% 3-PT FG
70% FT
Set a career-high 22 points in 2 different games last season
STAFF
Head Coach
Kenny Brooks
Played at James Madison University
22 Years of Experience as a Head Coach
.717 Winning Percentage in 22 Seasons
Winningest Coach in JMU history – 14 Seasons (337-121 Record)
Most Recently Spent 8 Seasons at Virginia Tech (180-82 Record)
Appearances in the Last 4 NCAA Tournaments
10 Total NCAA Tournament Appearances
2023 Final Four
2024 ACC Regular-Season Champions
2023 ACC Tournament Champions
5 CAA Tournament Titles
4 CAA Regular-Season Titles
8 WNBA Draft Picks
Associate Head Coach
Lindsey Hicks
Played at Purdue University
As a player: Unanimous All-American, 4x ACC First Team selection, 3x ACC POTY honoree, 3x ACC All-Defense Team, 2x Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year, etc
Most Recently Spent 4 Seasons at Virginia Tech (Associate Head Coach 23-24; Assistant Coach 21-23)
Known for developing post players, including working closely with Liz Kitley (All-American, 3x ACC POTY, & 2024 WNBA Draft Pick)
Various Coaching Experience Prior to Virginia Tech
Louisiana Tech (Assistant Coach – 3 Seasons)
Northwestern State (Assistant Coach – 1 Season)
Alabama (Video Coordinator – 2 Seasons)
Morehead State (Assistant Coach – 2 Seasons)
Prior to coaching, spent 6 seasons playing professionally at places like Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland
Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator
Radvile Autukaite
Played at Webber International University
As a player, received the NAIA AAC Female Champion of Character Award for all sports
Played for the Lithuanian National Team at the U16, U18, & U20 levels
Known for helping develop guards, including 2 players selected in the 2023 WNBA Draft (Kayana Traylor & Taylor Soule)
Masters in Instructional Design and Technology (2020); Currently working on PhD in Instructional Design and Technology
Prior Coaching Experience
Most recently, Virginia Tech (Assistant Coach – 2 Seasons; Player Personnel Specialist – 2 Seasons; Graduate Assistant – 3 Seasons)
Webber International University (Graduate Assistant – 2 Seasons)
Assistant Coach
Josh Petersen
Worked with post players at Miami; helped greatly improve rebounding numbers at both of his last 2 stops
Masters in Sports Management from FSU (2014)
Prior Coaching Experience
Most recently, University of Miami (Assistant Coach – 2 Seasons)
University of Pittsburgh (Assistant Coach – 4 Seasons)
UNC Asheville (Assistant Coach – 4 Seasons)
Florida State University (Graduate Assistant – 2 Seasons; Head Manager – 4 Seasons)
Assistant Coach & Director of Recruiting Operations
Ciara Gregory
Spent the last 5 seasons at Charlotte primarily working with the guards (Assistant Coach – 3 Seasons; Graduate Manager – 2 Seasons)
Masters in Arts and Liberal Studies with a focus on Coaching, Leadership, & Sports from Charlotte (2021)
Prior to Coaching, Played for Charlotte for 4 Seasons
Finished as Charlotte’s All-Time Leader in 3-Pointers Made and Attempted & Most 3-Pointers in a Single Game (9). Also Scored Over 1,000 Points in her 4 Seasons.
Assistant Coach & Director of Player Development
Kendall Dillard
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Spent the last 8 seasons under Coach Brooks at Virginia Tech
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Prior Coaching Experience
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Most recently, Virginia Tech (Operations Assistant – 2 Seasons; Graduate Assistant – 2 Seasons; Student Manager & Practice Player – 6 Seasons)
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Also coached at Ocean Lake High School
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Director of Scouting & Program Analytics
Will Sims
Spent the Last 2 Seasons with Virginia Tech as the Director of Player Personnel
Prior to Virginia Tech:
Virginia Commonwealth University (Video Coordinator – 1 Season)
Indiana University (Graduate Assistant – 2 Seasons; Manager and Practice Player – 3 Seasons)
Special Assistant & Chief of Staff
Tim Clark
Spent 19 Seasons on Brooks’ Various Staffs
In 8 Seasons at Virginia Tech:
Senior Director and Chief of Staff – 2 Seasons
Director of Operations – 6 Seasons
In 11 Years at James Madison:
Student Manager – 3 Seasons
Graduate Assistant – 1 Season
Director of Operations -5 Seasons
Master’s in Kinesiology (2011)
Director of Creative Content
Tevin Shears
Most recently, Shears was with Ole Miss Women’s Basketball serving as their Manager of Creative Content
Lead Content Creator for UConn Men’s Basketball in 2022-23 (National Championship Team)
Dorman High School – Men’s Basketball Social Media (4 Straight 5A State Championships)
Women's Basketball Administrator
Tiffany Smith Massey
2001 Kentucky Graduate
Assistant Athletics Director for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (Since November 2020)
Counselor in UK Athletics’ Center for Academic & Tutorial Services (12 Years)
Worked with Women’s Basketball, Women’s Tennis, & Rifle teams
Created the Human Athlete Mentoring Project (Spring 2020)
Academic Advisor at BCTC (2004-09)
