Hailing from Inman, the late Valorie Whiteside left an indelible mark on the basketball court during her stellar tenure at Appalachian State from 1984 to 1988. A record-setter and game-changer, Whiteside etched her name in the annals of the Mountaineers' history by setting an astonishing 42 school records. Notably, she established a league scoring record for a single season, tallying an impressive 776 points, and achieved a career scoring record of 2,944 points.
Whiteside's influence on the court was remarkable, as she was a four-time all-Southern Conference player, earning the coveted titles of conference player of the year and twice clinching the tournament MVP award. She holds the Mountaineers' records for most points in a single game (48) and rebounds (26).
Beyond her playing days, Whiteside became the esteemed former head basketball coach for the ladies at Dorman High School. Her coaching philosophy went beyond the confines of the basketball court, as she was dedicated to shaping the character and future of her students, emphasizing growth both in and out of the game.
Whiteside's legacy extends to her sons, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, a decorated athlete at Dorman and Stanford who made his mark in the NFL, and Keenan Arcega-Whiteside, a current standout in both Dorman's football and basketball teams. Valorie Whiteside's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, leadership, and dedication, leaving an everlasting impact on the world of basketball and the lives she touched on and off the court.
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