Most Notable

• Scored 91 points at the 2018 Pan Am Cup to rank third in scoring, including 27 points in the gold-medal victory over Dominican Republic
• Helped Penn State to the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship in 2013 and 2014 while at Penn State
• Selected AVCA All-America Second-Team as a junior in 2014 at Penn State

Major Competitions

• 2018: Pan American Cup (Gold)
• 2017: USA Volleyball Cup vs. Brazil; FIVB World Grand Champions Cup (Bronze)

Did You Know

• Nickname is "Yani"
• Named AVCA All-Northeast Region in 2015 as a senior at Penn State
• Graduated from Penn State University with a degree in journalism and sports production in 2015
• Her uncle, Ubusuku Abukusumo, played soccer for the Columbus Crew from 1997-2000
• Last youth club volleyball team was Digs Volleyball Club in Norwood, New Jersey
• Father is Alvin Whitney and mother is Vanessa Abukusumo-Whitney
• Siblings are brother Khalil and sister Anissa

Aiyana Whitney's Favorites:
Book: The Shack ... Music Type: Hip-Hop/R&B ... Musical Group/Person: Cza ... Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio ... Professional Team: Golden State Warriors ... Athlete: Serena Williams.

Hobbies and Interests: Movies, Books, Poetry

Most Admired Person: Her mother because "she's the strongest woman I know. She gave me someone to look up to from a very young age."

Happiest Moment in Life: "Winning the NCAA National Championship in 2014 with my fellow Nittany Lions."

Path to the Podium

• Started playing youth club volleyball with Cutshot Volleyball Club in 2006 and completed her youth career with Digs Volleyball Club
• Played for Northern Valley Old Tappan High School in New Jersey
• Selected AVCA Second-Team All-America as a junior at Penn State
• Helped Penn State win the NCAA championship as a senior in 2013 and 2014
• Made debut with U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup

Related Articles

• Penn State Athlete Bio