IN A RESOUNDING VICTORY FOR BOTH BYU AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: BYU Cougars Star Amari Whiting Named USA Female Basketball Player of the Year
In a monumental moment that echoes through the halls of Brigham Young University and reverberates across the landscape of women’s college basketball, Amari Whiting has been named the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year. The accolade, awarded annually to the most outstanding female basketball player in the country, cements Whiting’s place not only in BYU sports history but in the national spotlight as one of the game’s brightest stars.
Whiting’s journey to this achievement is as inspiring as it is dominant. A sophomore guard for the BYU Cougars, she has consistently dazzled fans and stunned opponents with her speed, court vision, scoring ability, and relentless defense. This season, she averaged 22.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, leading BYU to a 27-4 record and a deep run into the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
The honor is not just a personal milestone—it’s a defining moment for BYU’s program. With a legacy that’s often flown under the radar in national conversations, BYU Women’s Basketball has now firmly planted its flag among elite college programs, thanks in large part to Whiting’s leadership and impact on and off the court.
“This award means everything to me,” Whiting said during her acceptance speech. “But it’s not just mine. It belongs to my teammates, my coaches, my family, and every girl out there dreaming of something big. I want to show that you don’t have to come from a powerhouse school to become a powerhouse player.”
Whiting’s recognition also signals a broader win for women’s sports. In an era where women’s basketball is gaining unprecedented traction, viewership, and respect, her selection as the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year is a testament to the rising visibility and competitiveness of the women’s game. Her performances this season often went viral, capturing the attention of fans nationwide and igniting a surge of interest in BYU games.
Born and raised in Idaho, Whiting was a top recruit coming out of high school. She turned down offers from some of the nation’s biggest programs to play at BYU, a decision driven by family values, her faith, and a desire to build something meaningful. Her mother, Cami Whiting, a former collegiate star herself, has been a guiding force in Amari’s life, both as a mentor and as a constant source of motivation.
“She’s never been about the hype,” said BYU head coach Amber Whiting, who also happens to be Amari’s mother. “She’s about work. She’s about team. And she’s about winning the right way.”
The award also sparks optimism for the future of BYU basketball. With Whiting still having eligibility left, and a pipeline of talent following her lead, the Cougars are poised for continued national prominence. Beyond her statistics, Amari’s leadership and humility have transformed the locker room culture, fostering a tight-knit team that plays with heart and purpose.
Amari Whiting’s recognition as the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year is more than just an individual triumph—it’s a victory for underrepresented programs, for family values in sports, and for the rapidly ascending profile of women’s college basketball. BYU, once a quiet competitor on the national stage, now finds itself front and center, led by a player whose future is as bright as her present is dominant.
As the season concludes and Whiting begins preparation for what lies ahead—whether it’s another year at BYU or the WNBA—one thing is certain: the name Amari Whiting will be remembered not just as a Cougar legend, but as a symbol of what’s possible in women’s sports when talent meets purpose.