When you talk about the greatest names in Kentucky basketball history, Valerie Still’s name belongs at the very top—man or woman. Her legacy is not just cemented in numbers, but in impact, leadership, and inspiration. Still remains the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Kentucky basketball history—men’s and women’s—an unmatched feat that speaks volumes about her dominance.
From 1979 to 1983, Valerie Still was an unstoppable force. She recorded 2,763 points and 1,525 rebounds during her college career, breaking every major statistical record available. Those marks still stand today, a testament to how far ahead of her time she was. Her game was physical, skilled, and elegant—drawing double teams, yet still impossible to contain.
Still was a three-time All-American, leading Kentucky to national prominence when women’s college basketball was still growing in popularity. Her leadership helped elevate the program’s visibility and respect, both in the SEC and across the country. She became a face of Kentucky athletics in an era when few women were given that platform.
But Valerie’s story extends beyond the hardwood. She came from a lineage of strength—her great-great-grandfather was a Civil War hero, and her brother Art Still was an NFL star. She used her success at Kentucky to champion causes bigger than sports, including racial and gender equality, and she became a beloved figure in Lexington and beyond.
In 2019, Still received one of the highest honors in the sport—induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. It was a long-overdue recognition for a career that shaped Kentucky women’s basketball forever. She called it a humbling moment, not just for herself but for every woman who wore the Wildcats jersey.
Her influence on modern UK players is undeniable. When Rhyne Howard became the first No. 1 overall pick from Kentucky in the WNBA Draft, she cited Valerie Still as one of the legends who paved the way. Howard’s own rise and Olympic appearance in 2024 reflect the trail Still blazed decades before.
Recently, Still voiced strong support for the hiring of Kenny Brooks, Kentucky’s new head coach for the women’s basketball team. She expressed hope that his leadership will usher in a new golden era, saying, “It just feels so good… we can exhale and let him do what he does best.” Coming from someone like Still, those words carry serious weight.
Still’s impact is not confined to the past. She continues to mentor young players, speak at universities, and work with community outreach programs that empower young girls through sports. Her presence around UK’s basketball culture remains deeply felt, both in mentorship and motivation.
In a world often quick to forget pioneers, Kentucky fans have never let Valerie Still’s name fade. Her banner flies proudly in Rupp Arena, and her records remain unbroken, like sacred scripture of Wildcat history. Every time a new star rises in Lexington, they walk in the footsteps of Valerie Still.
Legends are not only remembered for their numbers, but for the doors they opened and the legacy they left. Valerie Still gave Kentucky women’s basketball not just history, but identity. She remains the standard by which all future greatness in the program is measured.
As the Wildcats continue to chase championships, the name Valerie Still echoes in the rafters, in the hearts of fans, and in the dreams of every girl who believes greatness in blue is possible.
