Playing Centre, Whittle was a key contributor to the Opals' success at international events during the 1990s and 2000s, with strong rebounding and defence a feature of her game.

[2] Whittle broke into the Australian side as a 20-year-old, following her success at the 1993 World Championship for Junior Women, where she won a Gold medal.

[4] At that tournament, Whittle played alongside other future Opals stars, Michelle Brogan, Kristi Harrower, Carla Boyd and Jo Hill.

[16][17][18] At the 2002 World Championship held in China, the Opals and Whittle would win their 4th consecutive medal in international play, claiming another Bronze.

[30] Her six medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver & 3 Bronze) at official FIBA tournaments makes Whittle one of Australia's most successful and decorated basketball players at the international level.

[33] In November 2013, Whittle was inducted into the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame, joining other recipients that included golfer Greg Norman and five-time World 500cc champion Mick Doohan.

[4] In the domestic Women's National Basketball League (WNBL), Whittle played 295 games for the Australian Institute of Sport (1989–1991), Brisbane Blazers (1992–1997), Perth Breakers (1998–1999), Bulleen Boomers (2000), Canberra Capitals (2005–2006) and Adelaide Lightning (2007–2009).

[37] Despite missing several seasons while playing in Europe, Whittle holds the WNBL all-time records for blocked shots (673) and defensive assists (106).

[42] Whittle nominated for the 1999 Women's National Basketball Association draft and was selected in the fourth round (pick 37 overall) by the Washington Mystics.