Brian Whitney is a top professional that has coached at
all levels - - college, club and high school. More importantly he is an astute
student of the sport that can take any player and make him/her the best that
they can be. His love of the game, his communication and motivational
techniques are second to none. In my 40+ years in the game I have encountered
very few as well rounded coaches as Brian. I would not hesitate to have him
work with any one of my players. I recommend him highly and without any
reservations.
Taras “Terry” Liskevych
Head Women’s Coach – Oregon State University
Former Head Coach – USA Women’s National & Olympic
Teams – 1985-1996
Former Head Women’s Coach – University of the Pacific –
1976-1984
Former Head Men’s Coach – The Ohio State University –
1974-1976
International Coach of the Year – 1995
Collegiate NCAA Div. I Coach of the Year – 1983
Brian Whitney is on my short list of inspiring coaches. Brian has worked with very young, inexperienced players and Division I college athletes, improving players at every level. I find his coaching approach practical, straightforward and technically sound. When I was just starting as a coach, he took time to explain, advise, encourage and mentor me. As a guest coach for my high school team, he listened to my team needs and worked enthusiastically with my players and coaches, giving them a fresh perspective and new understanding of basic techniques. Active as a player and coach, his love of the game is clearly evident.
Pat Smith
Former Head Coach - Herndon High School
I had the honor of having Brian Whitney as my club coach at Metro Virginia for my junior and senior year of high school. I can say, without a doubt, that Brian changed my volleyball game and brought me to a much higher level of competition. I can also say that without his knowledge, coaching ability and mentorship, I would not have been recruited and had the opportunity to play at the Division 1 college level.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Brian as a coach to anyone looking to change their game, their confidence as a player, and their level of play. By far one of the top coaches in the Northern Virginia area.
Britany Westphal
Metro Virginia Club Alumni '04
Elon University Alumni '08
Brian Whitney has a proven record of developing people, athletes, and volleyball players, and understands the importance of this comprehensive approach. His formula for success cuts through all boundaries of ability, experience, and gender. Brian is a lifelong learner, which makes him the ideal teacher. He has been a valuable resource to myself and my program. If you are serious about becoming your best, he will help you get there.
Fred Chao
GMU Men's Varsity Head Coach
Metro Virginia Club Alumni '04
Elon University Alumni '08
Brian Whitney has a proven record of developing people, athletes, and volleyball players, and understands the importance of this comprehensive approach. His formula for success cuts through all boundaries of ability, experience, and gender. Brian is a lifelong learner, which makes him the ideal teacher. He has been a valuable resource to myself and my program. If you are serious about becoming your best, he will help you get there.
Fred Chao
GMU Men's Varsity Head Coach
I have known Brian Whitney since December, 2003, when my
17-year-old daughter (who had only one year of volleyball experience) tried out
(and made) Brian’s Metro VA 18s club team.
At the time, Metro VA was the premiere club for the best high school
volleyball players in the area. Most of
the players on the team were All-Met, All-State, etc. Brian was naturally the coach of this elite
team since he too was (and is) the “premiere” volleyball coach in Northern Virginia.
My daughter was definitely the rookie on the team and, although
naturally athletic, was no where near the skill level of her teammates.
In one short club season, Brian taught Kristen more about
competitive volleyball than she could have ever learned elsewhere and developed
her middle blocking and hitting skills.
Moreover, he assisted us with the mind-boggling recruiting process. My
husband and I had no clue when it came to volleyball recruiting, so Brian graciously
arranged a video skills session for Kristen and a few of the other players and
ran drills which highlighted her hitting, blocking, and serving abilities. He personally edited the footage and posted
it on the web (on the website where he knew college coaches frequented). A short time after posting this video (which
I now refer to as “Kristen’s Miracle Video”), we were literally inundated with emails and
calls from college coaches around the country. A short time thereafter, after multiple
scholarship offers, Kristen signed a letter-of-intent to play for the University of Kentucky. After 2 years, she transferred and played two
seasons for Virginia Tech (also on scholarship).
I give Brian Whitney full credit for not only her
scholarship and skill development but also for nurturing her love and passion
for the game. Brian’s passion for the
game is evident and that passion shines through to his students and players. He is an excellent teacher and I highly
recommend him to anyone looking to learn or better his or her volleyball
skills.
Linda Cunningham
Mother of Kristen,
Metro VA 18s, U-K, and VT (’08) and
Cara, VA Elite 17s (will play in college too), Brian is
mentoring her as well!
Brian Whitney was my first club director at Metro VA when I
started coaching and I later assisted him at Westfield High School. I came out of playing in college and didn’t
know how to turn my knowledge of playing into teaching. He quickly recognized I was a sponge, took me
under his wing and became my mentor. He also
taught me how to take a player from any skill level and not just teach them the
sport but the mental aspect of it, what I would call their “volleyball
IQ”. Over the years he has continued to
be a student of the game. I’m now at a
club that coaches future Division I girls and I continue to seek him out for
advice.
Melanie Bradshaw
Assistant Coach, 18’s VA Elite