Sometimes starting your first varsity volleyball game can be as nerve-wracking as a smack in the face. Just ask
Aiyana Whitney of
Northern Valley (Old Tappan, N.J.)A 6-5 senior All-American candidate, Whitney is one of the top hitters in the country. However, that doesn't mean that everything started out so rosy for Whitney.
Northern Valley High's Aiyana Whitney.
Photo courtesy of North Jersey Media Group
"Playing my first varsity game was incredibly nerve-wracking," Whitney said. "The first play of the game I remember jumping up for an over pass and the ball hitting me right on the head and falling to the floor. I was so embarrassed, my coach called a timeout and told me to relax. I took a deep breath and went back in the game with more confidence."
Since that eventful beginning, Whitney has developed into one of the top players in the Garden State. She was the only junior on the all-state team last year and she also led Northern Valley to the league championship. Her overall ability, as well as her flexibility, has been key to her, and her team's, success, according to her coach Melissa Landeck.
"Aiyana is a fierce competitor and a leader on our court. She helps drive the players around her to elevate their level of play," said Landeck. "At the same time, Aiyana is extremely humble. For all of the personal recognition and attention she has received, she remains focused on the goals of the team, and does what is asked of her in order to make the team better."
Although trained as an outside hitter, Whitney moved to middle hitter during her sophomore and junior seasons, according to Landeck, in order to help the team.
"Her embracing this role and flourishing in it enabled our team to be successful and placed other players into positions they would be successful in," said Landeck. "Putting the team’s needs ahead of her own and her humility are qualities about Aiyana that make her a special athlete and person."
Whitney's journey to becoming a top-flight volleyball player has been a long one, starting with her younger days watching her sister play the sport.
"My first memories of playing volleyball consist of me being a long, lanky and awkward young girl wanting to be just like her sister," said Whitney. "I watched my sister jump serve the ball with so much power and I could not serve the ball past the ten-foot line. I went to clinics and heard people talk about how much potential I had and all I wanted was to live up to that. With much practice and persistence, I quickly picked up the game and fell in love with it."
Last year, Whitney led Northern Valley with 279 kills and 56 blocks. This year she already has 176 kills in just 13 matches.
Landeck says that Whitney's awareness allows her to make the big plays.
"Aiyana played in the Bergen County Tournament championship her sophomore year, when Old Tappan defeated Immaculate Heart Academy, a heavy favorite," said Landeck. "She was being triple blocked, and still found ways to score points, whether tooling the block, or tipping to an open spot on the floor. Only special players would have the composure and court sense to do this in such a big match as only a sophomore."
Whitney says that while her physical traits may be an obvious strength, she points to her competitiveness as giving her the edge.
"My biggest strength as a player is my competitive spirit," she said. "I do not like to lose and I like to play hard and push myself. I think playing with that attitude also makes my teammates better and that leads to the team being better as a whole."
Whitney has verbally signed to play next year at Penn State and she will sign a letter of intent in November.
"Playing Division I volleyball is going to be very tough," said Whitney. "I will be facing girls my size or bigger than me and I will need to push myself every day to be the best I can be. I feel that it is a challenge that I have always wanted to take on because I want to be the best player I can be.
"The recruiting process was fun but stressful," Whitney added. "Choosing a college was the toughest decision I have had to make so far in my life, but I knew that when I felt it was right I had to go with that feeling. It was hard weighing my options but in the end I went with my gut."
Northern Valley is off to a 12-1 start and working toward a strong showing at the state level this year.
"I think my team has what it takes to be the 2010 state champions," said Whitney. "I know that if we continue to work hard we can achieve that goal. What makes us a strong team is the depth and the experience of our players. This, along with our drive to win, and our chemistry on the court is a winning combination."
Whitney comes from a family filled with outstanding athletes. Her uncles Mochtar and Ubusuku Abukusumo were outstanding soccer players, according to Whitney, with Mochtar winning the Gatorade State Player of the Year honor in New Mexico and also earning All-American status while playing A-League soccer. Ubusuku, meanwhile, played for the US National Youth Team and has gone on to play for the Columbus Crew in the MLS. Her sister also continues to play volleyball at Hofstra.
Whitney says she also relies on the guidance of her mother in helping her become a Division I-caliber athlete.
"I think that one of the most important lessons that she taught me happened very early when I was 13. I tried out for a regional team and the girls were all older than me - needless to say I didn't make the team and I was devastated. My mom told me to dry my tears and that if I wanted to be on this team that I should concentrate on my training and skills and come back next year and make the team - she said if you want it go get it! I apply that to everything I do."
