LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks is The Sporting News’ National Coach of the Year. The publication announced the honor on Wednesday.

What You Need To Know

  • The Sporting News names Kentucky women's basketball coach Kenny Brooks Coach of the Year

  • In his first year at UK, the Cats are 22-7 overall and 11-5 in the SEC

  • UK plays in the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 21 against Liberty

In his first year at UK, Brooks has led the team to its best season-to-season turnaround in program history. So far this year, the Cats are 22-7 overall and have an 11-5 record in the Southeastern Conference. Kentucky begins its NCAA Tournament run Friday, March 21 against Liberty at noon ET.

Brooks had to get off to a fast start when he arrived in Lexington. He recruited 11 players and hired 11 coaches and staff members.

The 2024-2025 season is the program’s first 20-plus win season in five years. Brooks tied the late Terry Hall as the quickest head coaches in program history to reach their first 20 wins at UK (24 games).

 According to the university, Brooks is only the second head coach in program history to begin his first season at UK undefeated through seven games. Terry Hall went undefeated through her first nine games in 1980-81. She coached the Cats from 1980 to 1987.

Brooks has brought renewed excitement to the program. Reserved season tickets sold out before the season and the school said four home games sold out before tip off.

The University of Kentucky is hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament at Memorial Coliseum. Brooks has now taken three programs to the NCAA Tournament. 

Correction: A previous version of this story had Kenny Brooks name incorrect. The error has been corrected. (March 20, 2025)

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