For one year, Lani White fit right in with the Virginia Tech women's basketball team in Megan Duffy's first season in Blacksburg. She transferred from Utah and slid right into Duffy's starting lineup and was a key player at both ends of the floor in 2024-25.
When the season ended, White was one of three players from Virginia Tech to enter the transfer portal, and the California native said it was in part to be closer to home for her final year of college basketball. When the dust settled, White was not only transferring closer to home, but also to her previous stomping grounds before coming to Tech.
Former Virginia Tech women's basketball guard Lani White transfers back to Utah
White ended up going home to the school she went to out of high school, Utah, for the 2025-26 season. She should make a bigger impact and get much more playing time for the Utes this time around than her first stop with the program.
White started 32 of her 31 games this season at Virginia Tech and averaged 26 minutes a night, which was a huge jump from 10.7 minutes a night in her previous season. She averaged 9.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for Duffy on a team that was well-balanced in scoring, with four of their five starters averaging double figures.
As the season went along, White improved her offensive game and shooting from the outside as she was able to make some big shots from behind the arc, as well as around the basket. She was able to run the floor and turn defense into offense. Her breakout season at Virginia Tech should set her up for success next season at Utah, while the Hokies will be looking to replace her with portal additions or with one of their talented incoming freshmen.