Georgia Amoore has departed from the Kentucky women’s basketball team, yet her influence endures strongly. Despite being with the Wildcats for only one season after transitioning from Virginia Tech with coach Kenny Brooks, her legacy is set to impact the program for years to come.

“I just got off the phone with her. Does it mean I don’t have her if I still talk to her every day?”

• Brooks stated, chuckling as he gestured towards a photo of Amoore in his office.

Brooks emphasizes that even though Amoore is no longer physically present, her impact remains intrinsic to the program’s culture. As he noted, “She’s left her legacy on this program and even though it was one year, she has really left her leadership qualities.” He recognized the continuity of her leadership through current players like Teonni Key and Clara Strack.

In Brooks’ inaugural year, he led the Wildcats to a commendable 23-8 record, a notable improvement from the prior year’s struggles.

While Clara Strack came along with Brooks, she missed the Hokies’ Elite Eight appearance in 2023, for which Amoore was pivotal. Recent encounters between the two indirectly highlight Amoore’s lasting influence, as she frequently still mentors her former teammates via practice visits.

Amoore aspires to be a coach herself, and Brooks has expressed a desire to one day mentor her as a head coach, ensuring they both journey together in their basketball careers.

As Kentucky embraces the change, Tonie Morgan is stepping in as the new starting point guard. After a solid season at Georgia Tech, where she averaged 13.7 points per game, Morgan is set to carry on the tradition of strong leadership exemplified by Amoore. Brooks noted, “Tonie actually can do some things that Georgia couldn’t do.”

Their journeys intersected in the ACC, creating a bond that continues to flourish. With a strong vision for the future and the adept application of Amoore’s strategies, Morgan is prepared to embrace her new role and carve out her own path.

“The vision is that he had the platform. He’s done it before, which is the WNBA. That’s where I want to go.”

• Morgan expressed during SEC Media Days.

The Wildcats’ season opener, where Morgan will play as the starting point guard, is set for November 3, against Morehead State.