Whetham pleased with response from Lady Tigers

Kristin Whetham’s first order of business as Green Forest’s new head volleyball coach and athletic director was to lay the foundation for a winning culture for the Lady Tigers.

But that doesn’t mean the Lady Tigers didn’t get to have any fun during the preseason. Whetham made sure to include team bonding activities along with the regular summer routine of preseason workouts and team camps.

“I’m just trying to keep the energy light even though we’re trying to learn and work hard,” Whetham said.

Whetham said she has been “pleasantly surprised” by the Lady Tigers’ efforts over the summer. Green Forest will open the 2025 season Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Eureka Springs.

“These girls came in not knowing what to expect from me,” said Whetham, who moved to Green Forest after a long tenure as the head volleyball coach at Berryville. “And obviously I came in not knowing what to expect from them, but they really bought into the culture we wanted to create. They work hard and I’ve been highly impressed and super excited about the season and what it holds.”

Whetham isn’t the only new face for the Lady Tigers. Her nieces, senior Kaylyn Smith and junior Kinly Smith, transferred from Berryville to Green Forest as did senior Codi Joubert.

Whetham said Green Forest has seven seniors. “I think all seven are going to be playing a role on the varsity side,” she said.

Both Kaylyn and Kinly Smith have been outstanding in the preseason, Whetham said. Joubert is a defensive whiz. Whetham said she’s been surprised by the power of senior Brinley Bishop.

“Coming in and looking at her, she was tiny,” Whetham said. “She’s little, but she is powerful. So I’ve been highly impressed with her.”

Whetham also singled out sophomore Emerson DeMeyer.

“She plays club volleyball, and you can definitely tell that her volleyball IQ is very high,” Whetham said. “And she’s a very powerful hitter.”

Green Forest opens conference play Aug. 28, hosting Gravette.