Why Kentucky Women’s Basketball can make a run in the NCAA Tournament

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 22: Kentucky Wildcats center Clara Strack (13), guard Tonie Morgan (5), forward Amelia Hassett (32), and guard Asia Boone (8) walk out of the huddle following a timeout during a game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Kentucky Wildcats, February 22, 2026, at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images When Kenny Brooks took over the Kentucky women’s basketball program in 2024, they were coming off back-to-back 12-win seasons, finishing 12th or worse in the SEC. Fast forward to the start of Brooks’ second postseason in Lexington, and he has led Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season as a 5-seed or better.

This March, the Wildcats have a real path to the Elite Eight, and even the Final Four, a place the program has knocked on the door of four times, but never prevailed. Here are five reasons this year is the year they do: Battle Tested: The SEC is a gauntlet as the conference has 10 bids in this year’s NCAA Tournament, including four of the top eight seeds. While Kentucky finished just 8-8 in conference play, ten of those games were against ranked conference opponents, going 4-6 with wins over LSU and Oklahoma.

Overall, their strength of schedule ranked in the top 20 in the country, and playing a difficult schedule prepares you for the postseason. Clara Strack: Kenny Brooks challenged Strack before the SEC Tournament by telling her that she is the worst superstar he has ever coached. In reality, she could end up being his best.

Averaging a double-double with 17. 1 ppg and 10. 0 rpg, she has received three All-America recognitions.