She’s Done It Again! BYU’s Amari Whiting Makes Major Announcement That Shocks Head Coach
Amari Whiting is quickly becoming a household name in BYU sports—and not just for her incredible talent on the court. Known for her fearless play, relentless work ethic, and larger-than-life presence, the sophomore guard has once again made headlines with a major announcement that left fans buzzing and head coach Lee Cummard visibly stunned.
During a surprise press conference following a routine team workout, Whiting dropped the bombshell: she’s declaring for the USA Basketball Women’s National Team U23 trials this summer—a bold move that reflects her ambition to not only dominate at the collegiate level but also make her mark on the international stage.
For Cummard, who’s guided Whiting’s development since her arrival at BYU, the moment was a mix of shock and pride. “I didn’t see that coming,” he said, grinning. “She told me five minutes before the announcement. That’s Amari. She does everything at full throttle. She’s built different.”
Whiting’s journey at BYU has been nothing short of electric. As a freshman, she burst onto the scene with highlight-reel plays, fearless drives to the basket, and clutch performances in high-pressure games. Her court vision, ball-handling, and lockdown defense made her a fan favorite and earned her All-Big 12 honors in her first season—a rare feat for a newcomer.
But what sets Whiting apart isn’t just her on-court prowess—it’s her leadership and confidence. Teammates often talk about how she sets the tone in practice, always the first in and last out, constantly pushing herself and others to get better. Her decision to pursue a spot on Team USA isn’t just about her own growth—it’s about bringing that experience and intensity back to BYU.
“This is about more than me,” Whiting said. “It’s about representing BYU, my teammates, and showing that we can compete with the best of the best. I want to bring that energy back and help us go even further next season.”
The announcement also signals something bigger for BYU women’s basketball. Under Coach Cummard, the program has been steadily gaining momentum, and having a player like Whiting reach for international recognition is a statement: BYU is building something special.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement over what this could mean. If Whiting makes the U23 team, it would mark a historic moment for the Cougars—and a major recruiting boost for the program. Even more, it shows young athletes that BYU can be a launchpad to elite basketball opportunities.
As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on Amari Whiting. Whether she makes the Team USA roster or not, one thing is clear—she’s not afraid to take big swings, and she’s only just getting started.
“She’s done it again,” Cummard said, shaking his head with a smile. “And honestly, I can’t wait to see what she does next.”