Head coach Kenny Brooks has secured his first addition to the Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball roster ahead of his second season at the helm. The program has officially welcomed transfer guard Josie Gilvin, who makes the move to Lexington after a standout collegiate career at Western Kentucky University.
Gilvin, a Louisville native, had an impressive junior campaign with the Hilltoppers, averaging 13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Her shooting from long range was a major asset, as she connected on over 41 percent of her attempts from three-point territory, showcasing her ability to stretch the floor offensively.
At 6 feet tall, Gilvin brings both size and versatility to the Wildcats’ backcourt. She is not only a capable scorer and shooter but also brings with her a wealth of college basketball experience. Over the span of her three seasons at WKU, she appeared in close to 100 games and was a starter in every contest during the 2024-25 season, further proving her reliability and durability.
During her time with the Hilltoppers, she accumulated 672 career points. Notably, she scored 10 points against Kentucky in a non-conference matchup this past December, giving Wildcat fans a preview of what she’s capable of.
Gilvin’s strong two-way play earned her several accolades last season, including selections to the All-Conference USA Second Team and the C-USA All-Defensive Team. Her defensive tenacity, coupled with her scoring ability, made her one of the more complete players in the conference.
While it remains uncertain whether she will step into a starting role right away for Kentucky, Gilvin is expected to be a valuable contributor in Brooks’ system. Her size and shooting range are exactly the traits Kentucky has been looking to add to its backcourt rotation.
Bringing in a seasoned player like Gilvin reflects Brooks’ commitment to building a competitive and experienced team as the Wildcats look to take the next step in his second year leading the program.
