Whitney Lanning joined the Independence Men's Basketball Staff in June of 2026. 

Coach Lanning brings an impressive pedigree as a player to the Pirate staff for the upcoming season. As a standout at Silver Lake High School, Lanning was a four time First Team All-Conference and three time All-State honoree. She even garnered national honors as she was named a McDonald's All-American Honorable Mention in her Senior year. She ended her high school career as the school record holder in rebounds and blocks in a game, season, and career, all while finishing with a total of 1,287 points.

After high school she attended Drake University where she garnered All Missouri Valley Conference Tournament honors as she led the Bulldogs to a runner up finish in her lone season. She then transferred to familiar KJCCC foe Seward County where she was named the KCAC Player of the Year, and was a first team All NJCAA honoree. 

Her second stint at the Division I level found her at Oklahoma State where she was named the Big XII Newcomer of the Year and was an All-Conference Honorable Mention. 

Lanning earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology from McPherson University and a Masters Degree in Psychology from Avila University. 

Lanning’s father and husband are both ICC Alumnus as members of the Pirate Football team. Lanning and her husband reside in Independence with their two daughters.