Kayla Whetstone BVB

Beach Volleyball

Getting To Know: Graduate Transfer Kayla Whetstone

As Georgia State beach volleyball prepares to open the spring 2022 season, our 'Getting To Know' segments will introduce the Sandy Panthers' four new graduate transfers as they get set to compete with the team. 

Entering the spring 2022 season, Kayla Whetstone joins the Georgia State beach volleyball team as a graduate transfer from Florida Gulf Coast University. Born in San Antonio and raised in Arlington, Texas, Whetstone comes to Atlanta having spent the last four seasons competing in Fort Myers for the Eagles.

GSU's downtown campus is a far cry from the retirement community that she called home throughout her undergrad tenure. Adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle that the city offers has been both the biggest challenge for the Texas native as well as what she has enjoyed most about transferring and moving to Atlanta. 

"I was looking for an environment that would challenge me and help me grow," Whetstone said. "Moving to Atlanta has been a big adjustment. I was a bit closed off from the city before, but I'm grateful to have the opportunity to explore the city now— there's always something new to do. Meeting and learning from lots of cool people in a diverse setting is amazing."

Completing her bachelor's degree in economics and finance while at FGCU, Whetstone has since enrolled in graduate school at Georgia State and has started pursuing her master's in the same field of study. Whetstone says she hopes to enter the primarily male-dominated space while doing her part to continue breaking boundaries for women in professional settings. 

With roots in Texas as well as a sister that attends the University of Oklahoma, sports are a big part of Whetstone and her family's lives. Having grown up near Cowboy Stadium, the passionate Dallas Cowboys fan even insists that sports in Texas are "superior to all others."

"Yes, you can quote me on that," Whetstone said.

Whetstone's mother also serves as the executive director for The Miracle League DFW in Arlington, Texas, a non-profit organization with a focus on providing children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The organization's mission is to help remove the barriers that keep those with disabilities off the field while allowing them to experience playing as a team. Whetstone feels that volunteering with the organization has helped keep her mind right and perspective clear when it comes to sports.  

"When I feel like complaining about something that I may be going through— something that may be related to my own career in volleyball— thinking about my time spent with the organization and my experiences with all of that helps me remember how good I have it," Whetstone said. "It helps me remember what's most important."

Read more about The Miracle League and the organization's charitable contributions here.

Apart from supporting their regional teams and helping to grow and nurture athletics around their community, Whetstone's family has also always supported her throughout her own athletic endeavors while growing up. After spending 10 years participating in competitive dance, it was Whetstone's father that first pushed her to pursue a career in collegiate athletics and venture into other sports— namely, volleyball. 

Whetstone feels that it paid off in the long run. The graduate transfer joins the Sandy Panthers' lineup hoping to contribute to the team and is looking forward to playing under head coach Beth Van Fleet as well as assistant coach Tiffany Creamer.

"One of the biggest reasons that I came to GSU was to play for Beth," Whetstone said. "Beth and Tiff both have such high volleyball IQ's and a genuine love for the game. They also really care about our growth as both athletes and as women. Walking into a new program, I wasn't familiar with the team dynamic. I wasn't completely sure how it would go and I was nervous at first, but the culture here is so unique and so positive. Everyone always wants to work hard as often as possible, and Beth really fosters a positive team environment. I love these coaches, and I love these women that I have the opportunity to play with. I'm super excited and I'm looking forward to the season."

GSU will open its season in New Orleans, La. at the Green Wave Invitational on Friday, Feb. 25. The Panthers' first match will be against Tulane at 10:30 a.m. ET. 
 
Follow @GSUBeachVB on social media for the latest news and updates throughout the spring.

 
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