Many children have big aspirations growing up that seem impossible to achieve. Aspirations such as making the NFL or the WNBA. However, with enough hard work and passion, those dreams can turn into reality.
Former North Gwinnett player Peyton Whitted’s dreams are expected to turn into reality Thursday night at the WNBA draft.
“My dreams have always been to play as long as I could no matter where that was,” Whitted said when asked if she thought she could make it this far. “The WNBA is obviously something that was on my mind, but I just know how hard it is to get to that level. So, for me I knew I was going to do what it takes to get there, and I think I’ve done most of that. Now it’s just a dream come true, and I’m just excited.”
To make it to the WNBA takes a lot of determination and motivation to keep pushing forward for such a high aspiration. Whitted had all the drive she needed from her loved ones.
“One thing that has really motivated me is my family. I just really appreciate their support,” Whitted said. “They obviously believe in me a lot, so I just get motivated off them. I also have little sisters that play basketball, so I just always make sure I’m setting a good example for them.”
“On top of that, I just love basketball. It’s something that I’ve always played and I’ve always known. I’m just always motivated because I love basketball.”
Whitted played in over 120 games at Penn State and finished with 718 career points and 636 rebounds. She played multiple positions, from forward earlier in her career to more at center as a senior. Her career at Penn State is something that has developed her into the type of person and player she is today.
“It was a learning experience. I learned a lot, and I matured as a person and in a leadership role,” Whitted said about her career at Penn State. “I found out a lot things about myself as far as basketball. Like how confident I am in my game and my ability to play more than one position. Just knowing I can do more than one thing on the court, that’s the one thing I can take away from my experience.”
After her basketball season was over at Penn State, Whitted has been working hard to prepare for the draft.
“I have been training every day, mostly basketball skill stuff after my classes because I’m still trying to graduate,” Whitted said. “I wake up in the morning and usually run about three miles to make sure I’m still in shape. After my classes I do a shooting workout and then work on my skills like ballhandling and post stuff. Then at the end of the day I usually play one-on-one just to work on some of those areas where I like to score on the court. I just like playing against someone to put everything into application that I worked on during the day.”
Obviously, Whitted would love to play professionally in her hometown, but wherever she lands, she’ll put forth the same effort no matter what.
“I wouldn’t mind playing in Atlanta because it’ll be cool to play in front of my family,” Whitted said. “I go to Penn State, so my parents don’t usually come up to all of my games. It would be nice to play somewhere that’s close for them to drive to. I don’t have a major preference, as long as it’s not too far from home. Whatever opportunity is there, I’m gonna take it.”
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