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
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Adams, Hancock Win CEV Challenge Cup Title
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) March 31, 2019
American duo leads Team Monza to title to highlight U.S. Women's National Team highlights abroad
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Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) March 24, 2019
Jordan Larson and Lauren Gibbemeyer win Turkish Cup title plus other team news from around the world
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Champions League Semis on Line for WNT Players
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) March 18, 2019
Latest news on the U.S. Women's National Team members playing in overseas pro leagues
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Americans Win Gold in China, Poland Pro Leagues
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) March 11, 2019
Dixon and Kingdon Rishel claim gold in China, Ogbogu earns gold in Poland
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Tryout, Champions League Highlights WNT Week
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) March 04, 2019
U.S. Women have 10 players on 5 teams advance to European Champions League, National Team Tryout and more
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Current, Future National Team Members on Stage
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) Feb. 25, 2019
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Americans Keying Pro Teams in Champions League
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) Feb. 18, 2019
Latest news on the U.S. Women's National Team members players in overseas pro leagues
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Women's Update: Open Tryout Deadline Feb. 13
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) Feb. 11, 2019
Latest U.S. Women's National Team news from around the world
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Bartsch-Hackley, Carlini Lead Novara to Italian Cup Gold
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) Feb. 04, 2019
Latest news on the U.S. Women's National Team competing around the world in respective pro leagues
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Women's National Team Tryout Set for March 1-3
Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org) Jan. 28, 2019
Annual tryout also means to earn spot on U.S. Collegiate National Teams