Lady Rebels Whaley signs with Milligan

Maryville High School senior Kylie Whaley signed a National Letter of Intent recently to continue her volleyball career at Milligan College this fall. Seated with Whaley at the high school are her father, Russ, and mother, Karen. Standing, left to right, are Maryville assistant coach Kelly Walker, Lady Rebel head coach Angel Babelay, Milligan coach Doneva Bays and Lady Buffs assistant coach Frank Forsythe.

Kylie Whaley played three sports at Maryville High School and played each of them well. It’s on the volleyball court where the 6-foot middle blocker did her best work, Whaley signing a National Letter of Intent with Milligan College recently at the high school. An All-District 4AAA selection each of the last two seasons, Whaley paced the Lady Rebels to the 2009 Blount County championship, garnering tournament most valuable player honors in the process. The Lady Rebel basketball team was the District 4AAA champion this past season with Whaley as part of a three-post attack. The versatile future Lady Buff helped the Maryville softball team to a third place finish at state a year ago. Milligan just felt like during a recruiting trip, Whaley said.

“When I went on my visit, I got to workout with the team and I felt really welcome,” she said. “I just fit there.”

Whaley is the fourth area athlete to sign with Milligan recently. Maryville senior Chancli Connatser signed with the Lady Buffs softball team earlier this spring. Heritage senior Tracy Hardiman signed recently with the Milligan women’s basketball team. Former Lady Rebel catcher Camille Olvey signed with the Milligan softball team a year ago.