Correction: The previous draft of this article stated The Fillies’ games against Dalton State College and Life University both start at 3 p.m., but they will start at 4 p.m. The article has been changed accordingly to reflect these changes.
Whitner Bobo, junior attacking midfielder for the Fillies, is the true embodiment of a student athlete. As a team captain for the women’s soccer team, Bobo leads by example on and off the soccer field.
She has played through ups and downs alongside her team and head soccer coach Chris Earls, but she has adjusted to the fast pace of college play, allowing her to stand out among the rest.
As a two-time NJCAA All-Conference team athlete, there’s a lot to learn about Whitner Bobo.
Coach Earls said, “Whitner has done phenomenal stepping up to play at that higher pace of a game. Her skill level is there. She’s gotten better over the last three years she’s been here.”
“As far as work ethic goes,” Earls continued, “it’s hard to find a player that works as hard as Whitner.”
Bobo grew up playing soccer her entire life. She started playing travel ball when she was only in the third grade.
From Belton, SC, Bobo played girls’ basketball and soccer at Belton-Honea Path High School before graduating in 2022. After receiving offers in both sports, the question was which one she would choose.
Bobo said, “I wanted to choose the school based on my future career.” This choice ultimately led her to ABAC.
Bobo, a crop and soil science major, always knew she wanted to study and work in the agriculture industry. An opportunity as a senior led her to represent South Carolina in the National Land and Range competition in Oklahoma. This experience piqued her interest in row crops and soil conservation.
Even before this competition, Bobo had grown up around agriculture.
“I grew up on my family’s farm, Fairview Farms,” Bobo said. She has worked here at ABAC under Dr. Maw as a student researcher, assisting him in researching long juvenile soybeans since her freshman year.
Bobo said, “After graduating, my goal is to become an agronomist. This would allow me to travel to farms and help farmers firsthand. I would provide advice on what to grow, when to grow it, and what pesticide to apply. “
The Stallion sat down for a short interview with Bobo.
What are your favorite memories from being a Filly? “My favorite memories as a Filly are meeting some of my best friends. Before coming to ABAC, I never imagined my best friends would be from the soccer team.”
What are you looking forward to the most this season? “I am excited to represent ABAC in the new conference. Transitioning to NAIA is a huge step for ABAC athletics. It is an honor to be on the first team. The soccer team also played the first NAIA game out of all ABAC teams.”
What is your team and personal for this season? ”My personal goal is to make the All-Conference Team, and my team goal is to make it to the playoffs.”
Do you have any hobbies? “I love to hunt, fish, and watch women’s basketball.”
Who is your favorite professional athlete? “A’ja Wilson.”
What is your favorite TV show? “One Tree Hill.”
Catch Whitner Bobo, Coach Earls, and The Fillies as they continue to face off against the Southern States Region for NAIA. The Fillies have upcoming home games, playing Dalton State College on September 19 and Life University on September 21. Both games kick off at 4 p.m.