For the second consecutive year, the Kentucky women’s basketball team finds itself overlooked in the AP Top 25 Poll, despite boasting a roster filled with talent and an impressive record. This glaring snub reflects a broader issue of disrespect for the Wildcats, who have repeatedly proven they deserve national recognition.
Kentucky has consistently performed at a high level in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in women’s basketball. Head coach Kyra Elzy has assembled a formidable squad, led by standout players who continue to shine on both ends of the court. Yet, despite their strong showings and the undeniable talent on their roster, the Wildcats are consistently bypassed in favor of teams with less impressive resumes.
This year, the Wildcats have been particularly strong. Their early-season victories over ranked opponents should have been enough to at least earn them a spot in the top 25, yet they continue to be disregarded. In a league that already gets little attention compared to its male counterpart, Kentucky’s exclusion from the AP Poll is yet another example of how women’s sports are often sidelined.
What makes the situation even more frustrating is the fact that Kentucky is not a team that is short of credentials. They have a strong fan base, a history of making deep tournament runs, and a program that continually produces top-tier talent. The Wildcats have a legacy of success that deserves acknowledgment, but once again, it is overshadowed by the persistent bias that continues to plague women’s basketball.
The lack of recognition for Kentucky is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend in which smaller programs and underappreciated teams are regularly passed over in favor of more glamorous, high-profile schools. This trend sends a damaging message to athletes, fans, and recruits that success in women’s sports is secondary to the glitzy, high-visibility programs.
The time has come for the Wildcats to demand the recognition they deserve. It’s past time for the AP Poll and the wider sports media to stop undervaluing teams like Kentucky and start acknowledging the real talent that exists beyond the spotlight of the most popular programs. Only then will Kentucky and others like them get the respect they’ve long earned.
