It was already a new venture for Banks County, opening their program’s history in 2020 under coach Becky Payne. 12 wins and a state playoff run later, and a new coach steps in to make her mark – Whittney LaHayne (from Tallulah Falls School). The Lady Leopards had zero seniors and wound up having an unbelievable first season, which came with a round one playoff run and a #9 state ranking.

Head Coach: Whittney LaHayne, 1st Season
2020 Record: 12-18; State Round 1; *Inaugural Season

“I hope to develop a program whose success is anchored on our team coming together as one: a family,” says LaHayne. “I want this to be evident on the court and off the court. I also want to develop a program that is structured and all players know my expectations from day one. Having worked with this group of girls for such a short time, I can see the potential and talent they have. With hard work and dedication they can be a strong team who makes it to the state playoffs. We are all getting to know one another and I hope to build the type players and team every coach hopes to have.”

Personnel

Key Departures: None

Key Returning Players: Addison Hoard, Lola Pruitt, Bacey Ausburn, Jadelyn McClure

Strength & Area of Focus

Strength: “We have some strong players moving up from the middle school to the high school level this year that will help round out our JV and Varsity teams,” states LaHayne. “We have several good passers and hitters that I am excited to be working with. There is a good bit of talent in this young group of players and I can’t wait to watch them grow this season.”

Focus: “This season we are focusing on unity and diversity,” says LaHayne. “I want all of my players to be strong in all areas of the game. I plan to create a versatile group of players who are skilled in every position on the court. This will help in situations of injury and illness, but it will help each player become the best version of herself. This type of training will help each player to become more knowledgeable and experienced in the sport.”