Faith, Family, Hoops

Basketball has always been part of Amari Whiting's life. It surrounded her, shaped her, and challenged her long before she understood what it meant to be an athlete at the highest level.

For Whiting, the game is tied to family, faith and a childhood that stretched far beyond the borders of a typical American upbringing.

Whiting grew up watching basketball from the sidelines of professional arenas in Italy, where her father, Trent, played for 12 years. She lived there until she was nine years old, spending her early childhood immersed in a different culture, language, and style of life. While she was born in Idaho, Italy is where many of her earliest memories were formed. Gyms became familiar places, and basketball became a constant presence rather than a novelty.

Her father was known overseas not only for his game, but also for his faith. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he stood out in European basketball circles, a trait that would later mirror Amari's own experience. Faith was not something the family practiced occasionally. It was central to their identity, shaping daily routines, values, and decisions.

From that foundation of family and faith, Whiting began exploring the sports that would shape her identity. As a child, she gravitated toward movement and competition, trying different activities as she sought where she fit best. Those early choices would eventually mold her athletic instincts and help guide her toward the game that had always been quietly present in her life.

"I don't like everything, but basketball was always there," Whiting said.

Despite basketball being the obvious path, Whiting did not immediately lock herself into the sport.

Growing up, she danced and played softball, seriously considering both as long-term options. Dance became especially important in her development, giving her balance, rhythm, and footwork that still translate onto the court today. Softball offered something completely different, improving her hand-eye coordination and mental toughness.

For a time, Whiting thought she might choose one of those sports instead. Basketball, however, had a way of pulling her back.

Her parents encouraged her but never forced the game on her. Still, family influence was undeniable. Her mother, Amber, was a multi-sport athlete who played both softball and basketball in college. Competition filled the Whiting household, whether it involved sports, games, or everyday activities.

"Everything was competitive," Whiting said. "Sometimes it was annoying, but if it wasn't that way, it would feel weird."

One moment stands out as the turning point that sealed her love for basketball. Her dad bought her a pair of pink Kobe sneakers. Pink was her favorite color, and the shoes instantly became symbolic. From that moment on, she was all in.

Whiting eventually returned to Idaho, settling in Burley, a small town where community support is deeply woven into daily life. There, basketball became more than a sport. It became an event. High school games were packed, and the entire town showed up to support its team. When Whiting's team traveled to Boise for the state tournament, the stands were filled with familiar faces, making every game feel like a home game.

Her junior year of high school stands out as her favorite. The team won a state championship, but it was the relationships that mattered most. The bond she shared with her teammates extended far beyond the court, lasting years after graduation. Even now, Whiting attends weddings for former teammates, a reminder that the closeness they built was real and enduring.

"Winning was great," she said. "But the memories and relationships outweighed everything else."

That sense of loyalty carried Whiting into college, where she committed to BYU. The opportunity to play for her mom at the collegiate level was rare and special. It created moments and memories that few athletes will ever experience. At the same time, it came with challenges. Playing for a parent required balance, emotional maturity, and constant communication.

Still, Whiting cherishes that chapter of her career. Eventually, though, the circumstances changed. When her mother left the program, Whiting found herself questioning her place. Her original reason for choosing BYU was gone and staying no longer felt right.

"I was there because of her," Whiting said. "When she left, I didn't see why I was still there."

That realization led Whiting into the transfer portal, where she began searching for a new environment and a fresh start. Oklahoma State quickly stood out. Conversations with head coach Jacie Hoyt left a strong impression. Hoyt's coaching style reminded Whiting of home and of her mother. The connection felt natural rather than forced.

Equally important was faith. Whiting did not expect to find a coach at another school who openly shared her beliefs. That shared foundation made the transition easier and reaffirmed her decision.

"My faith is everything to me," Whiting said. "It's a big part of who I am."

Whiting arrived at Oklahoma State as one of seven transfers, but instead of chaos, she found unity. With so many new faces, everyone was learning together. There were no established hierarchies or expectations. The team-built chemistry from scratch.

Early in the season, that process involved figuring out roles, tendencies, and trust. Over time, it became second nature. Whiting now speaks confidently about knowing where her teammates will be on the floor and trusting them to make plays. That trust extends off the court as well, where the locker room has become a space of encouragement and energy.

"We're all cheerleaders for each other," she said.

Away from basketball, Whiting is far more relaxed than her competitive nature might suggest. She loves to read and always has a book in hand, ranging from thrillers to romance novels. She enjoys watching movies and television shows and recently started rewatching One Tree Hill. She values quiet moments, downtime, and simply spending time with teammates.

That balance is especially important given her online presence. With 100,000 followers on Instagram, Whiting is constantly visible. The attention can be rewarding, but it also brings pressure. After games, her direct messages fill quickly with praise, criticism, and everything in between.

"At times, it feels like everyone's watching you," she said.

Over time, she has learned to separate herself from the noise. She limits how much she reads and focuses on the positives of having a platform. For Whiting, that visibility is an opportunity to grow women's basketball and support her team. At OSU, Whiting is no longer just the daughter of professional athletes or a transfer searching for stability.

She is carving out her own identity, guided by faith, shaped by family, and grounded by the communities that raised her. Basketball has always been there, but now it is on her terms.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

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