The Standard will be doing a new weekly feature to highlight all the local leaders on the sidelines in Warren County sports. We will start with the new additions to the WCHS girls basketball coaching staff, including this week's coach - Amanda Whittington. Welcome to the coach's corner!

Sports Editor Jeff Simmons: What got you into coaching basketball?

AW: What got me into coaching basketball was after I stopped playing (there was) just the desire to be around the game still. I never sought after coaching but I was given an opportunity to do it and, when I decided to give it a try, I enjoyed it. I knew that I had the knowledge to coach because of what I learned throughout my time playing, but what ultimately sold me was the idea of helping teach young players with that knowledge and experience while building confidence, helping to improve their abilities and being there to offer advice or just to listen.

JS: What made you come to WCHS?

AW: What made me come to Warren County was not just one thing. I decided to come because when I came to visit everyone was friendly and willing to help in any way they could, both the athletics and academic parts were equally great, the potential of this team and to be able to coach with not only my sister, but coaches who view the game in the same way I do was big for me.

JS: What are your hopes for the program?

AW: My hope for the team is growth. I hope that we can create a winning culture in this program. I hope this program is able to experience hard-fought wins and moments that bring the community closer. Someone who I previously coached with asked our players what their legacy will be and that stayed with me, so my hope for this program is that they can create meaningful ones. I feel like this is in reach because of the change coach (Kyle) Turnham has already started.

JS: What do you feel you 

can add to the team? 

AW: I feel what I can add to this team is not just someone who has been successful playing at the high school level  and knowing what it takes to win, but also who has learned many things through my short experience with coaching. I coached two years prior to coming to Warren County and each year I have learned different things that I can bring here, but ultimately, I learned that I will be happy to add whatever is needed. 

Coach Kyle Turnham on 

the addition of Whittington

“I’m incredibly excited about adding Amanda to our staff. Amanda had a fantastic high school career, winning multiple state championships, then went on experience even more championships at Middle Tennessee, playing under legendary coach Rick Insell. She brings the added dimension of having already worked with two other high school programs and those experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our staff. 

Even though Amanda hasn’t been an official member of my staff before, she took the initiative to follow our program during our postseason run last year and is very familiar with our philosophies, terminologies and culture. Amanda fits seamlessly into that culture. Her successes as a player, particularly the intangibles that she displayed regularly, will benefit our players greatly. 

Amanda has high levels of character, class and integrity that will serve as a great role model to our players both on and off the floor. We set out to assemble the best staff in the state and the addition of Amanda brings that goal to fruition. She will be a tremendous asset to Warren County.”