Class of 2024: For Liz Kitley, communication key on basketball court and in education field

Name: Elizabeth Kitley                               

College: Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Degree: Master of Arts in Education in curriculum and instruction with a focus in instructional design and technology

Plans after graduation: Play in the WNBA for the Las Vegas Aces

Liz Kitley is a household name for many Hokie fans.

Virginia Tech has retired her basketball jersey number, she’s a three-time Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year, and she’s headed to the WNBA to play for the Las Vegas Aces.

But she has one more box to check off before she closes this chapter on her time as a Hokie — commencement. Kitley will graduate in May with a Master of Arts in Education in curriculum and instruction. She is specializing in instructional design and technology. 

For Kitley, education runs in the family. Both of her parents are high school principals.

“I've always been on the receiving end of instruction, but now I'm producing instructional materials, which is interesting,” said Kitley.

After earning her bachelor's degree in human nutrition, food, and exercise at Virginia Tech, Kitley said switching gears to education has been a welcome change.

“It's nice to have a little bit more freedom and to not always be searching for one right answer,” she said.  

The concepts that she learned during her time with the School of Education have gone beyond the classroom.  She has carried them onto the court.

“Education and basketball have some similar aspects, especially when you look at it from a leadership perspective,” said Kitley. “Good communication is an important aspect of being an instructor and an important aspect of being a leader. That’s been an emphasis this year throughout the season with the team.”

While Kitley’s journey at Virginia Tech was unique, she did offer advice to students with similar aspirations as her.

“Time management is huge, especially with this program. It’s self-paced, so staying on top of it really keeps the stress level down and increases the quality of your work,” she said.