(WJHL) – Former Dobyns-Bennett girl’s basketball standout Courtney Whitson has made her second home at Middle Tennessee over the last six-plus years.

First, as a player – and most recently, this past season, as an assistant coach.

“I was handling a lot of our travel arrangements, organizing meals, and managing finances—all the behind-the-scenes tasks that often go unnoticed,” she mentioned. “This experience made me appreciate all the effort required for our achievements.”

This season, however, she is set to face a new challenge at Lenoir City High School. The Panthers, who will advance to Class 4A this winter, recently appointed Whitson as the latest physical education teacher and assistant coach for the girl’s basketball team.

Having played for and studied under the experienced Blue Raider head coach, Rick Insell, Whitson will now have the opportunity to learn from another esteemed coach at Lenoir City.

Shelley Collier, point guard for the Lady Vols 1987 national championship team, is entering her third season with the Panthers. She spent the better part of 25 seasons coach Knox Webb prior to that, claiming six TSSAA state basketball championships.

“I believe that her knowledge, experience is something that can groom me [into a head coach],” Whitson explained. “I’ve seen Coach Insell for so long … so, being able to learn from both sides of greatness an put that together and mold that into my own style of coaching.”

Now, Whitson said developing that style, uniquely her own, is a huge priority as she begins Year 1 at LCHS.

“As a player, I was a passionate player that truly just wanted to change hearts one game at a time,” she explained. “So, as a coach, I truly want to lead and impact – be energetic and passionate. I hope the girls at any program I’m at – just like this past year at MTSU – I hope they can truly feel my energy and passion as a new coach.”