Kenny Brooks Leads Kentucky Women’s Basketball Into Year Two With Clear Championship Vision: “That’s the Standard, That’s the Goal”
In his second year at the helm of Kentucky women’s basketball, Kenny Brooks isn’t mincing words. He’s not preaching patience or asking for time to rebuild. Instead, he’s sending a message loud and clear—this program is aiming for championships, and anything less would be falling short of the expectations he’s establishing in Lexington. “That’s the goal,” Brooks stated confidently when asked about Kentucky’s aspirations heading into the 2025–26 season. And the way the Wildcats have retooled, reloaded, and rededicated themselves this offseason shows that his words aren’t just coach-speak—they’re a declaration.
Brooks took over a program at a crossroads. After years of inconsistency and a revolving door of coaching philosophies, Kentucky women’s basketball needed an identity—a direction that would bring them back into the national spotlight and help them compete in a loaded SEC. Year one under Brooks was about laying the groundwork. It included moments of growth, flashes of brilliance, and the occasional stumble that comes with cultural transformation. But now, as the Wildcats gear up for year two, there’s a different energy around the program. The roster has improved. The confidence has risen. The goals have sharpened.
“Year one was about installing a system and getting everyone to believe in a new standard,” Brooks said. “Now, it’s about executing. It’s about elevating. We’ve got the pieces, and we’ve got the mindset.”
Kentucky’s roster for the 2025–26 season reflects a coach who knows exactly what he wants. Brooks has balanced high-upside recruits with savvy veteran transfers. He’s focused on two-way players who can defend at a high level but also stretch the floor and play with tempo. His recruiting strategy has focused on versatility—guards who can play multiple positions, forwards who can handle the ball, and bigs who aren’t just rim protectors, but offensive threats.
Perhaps the most significant move was retaining the core players who bought into Brooks’ culture in year one. Leadership in the locker room has always been key to championship teams, and Brooks has made sure that experience is not lacking. Players like Ajae Petty, Maddie Scherr, and Amiya Jenkins are now voices of experience, capable of guiding younger teammates and reinforcing the team-first identity that Brooks demands.
In addition to the returning core, Brooks has brought in a few game-changers through the transfer portal. These aren’t just role players—they’re program-shifting talents who chose Kentucky because they believe in Brooks’ vision. “The culture he’s building is real,” one recent transfer said. “He’s not just about wins—he’s about building something sustainable. And he wants to win big.”
That message has resonated beyond Lexington. On the recruiting trail, Brooks has quickly made Kentucky a destination for elite talent. His reputation as a player-first coach, combined with the visibility of an SEC program and Kentucky’s brand, has made for a compelling pitch. “He’s recruiting with purpose,” said one SEC assistant coach. “He’s not just going after rankings—he’s finding players that fit his system and elevate his culture.”
But a championship vision isn’t built on talent alone. Brooks is meticulous when it comes to preparation. His practices are intense but thoughtful. Every drill serves a purpose. Every scrimmage has stakes. The Wildcats aren’t just playing basketball—they’re learning how to win, how to close games, and how to stay composed when the lights are brightest.
“Our practices are tougher than most games,” one player said. “Coach Brooks demands our best every day. That’s why we believe we can beat anybody.”
Brooks’ teams have always been known for their defensive toughness and offensive efficiency. At James Madison and Virginia Tech, he built a reputation for molding teams that were both disciplined and dangerous. Now, he’s bringing that same blueprint to Kentucky. “We’re going to play fast, but we’re going to play smart,” Brooks explained. “We want to pressure teams, force turnovers, and score in transition—but we also want to execute in the half court and control tempo when we need to.”
That balance is already showing in preseason scrimmages and summer workouts. Kentucky’s guards are quicker, more decisive. The post players are communicating better on switches. There’s a rhythm and trust on the court that wasn’t always present a year ago. And the players aren’t just motivated—they’re locked in.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Brooks has emphasized accountability and connection. He’s fostered an environment where players support one another, where competition is fierce but respectful, and where the collective goal trumps individual accolades. That culture shift is perhaps the most important development in year two.
“You can feel it,” said one assistant coach. “There’s a belief now. They’re not just hoping to win—they expect to win.”
And that belief extends to the Kentucky fanbase. After years of watching the men’s program dominate headlines, the Big Blue Nation is investing more deeply in women’s hoops. Brooks and his staff have done their part to build that connection—hosting fan events, engaging on social media, and making sure the community sees this team as its own.
“We want to be part of the Kentucky basketball legacy,” Brooks said. “That means giving everything we have to this university, this state, and this fanbase. We want to make them proud.”
The SEC, of course, won’t make the path easy. With national powerhouses like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee in the mix, every conference game will be a battle. But Brooks welcomes that challenge. “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to go through the best,” he said. “We respect those programs, but we don’t fear anyone. We’re here to compete.”
That mindset is echoed in the weight room, where players are posting career-best numbers. It’s reflected in the film room, where breakdowns are sharper and more detailed than ever. And it’s on full display in the locker room, where there’s a sense of unity that wasn’t fully there a season ago.
As the season draws closer, expectations are rising. Kentucky is no longer flying under the radar. Opponents are taking notice. Media are taking notice. And inside the program, there’s a sense that this team has what it takes to do something special—not just in the SEC, but nationally.
Still, Brooks is keeping the focus on the process. “Championships aren’t won in March—they’re earned every day between now and then,” he said. “That’s where our attention is. Every rep, every drill, every practice—it all matters.”
And his players have bought in. You can see it in how they talk, how they prepare, and how they play. There’s no hesitation, no doubt. Just belief.
So when Brooks says, “That’s the goal,” it’s not just a throwaway line. It’s a mission statement. Kentucky women’s basketball isn’t chasing relevance anymore—it’s chasing greatness. And under Kenny Brooks, that goal suddenly feels very attainable.
