Gannon University Athletics

Whitling begins his third season as a member of the Gannon coaching staff in 2015-16, but he is no stranger to head coach Jim Brunelli’s system after serving as an assistant coach under Brunelli during the previous three seasons at Anderson (S.C.) University. He assists in preparing practice and game plans while overseeing the Lady Knights’ conditioning program. In addition, Whitling works with the guards and is responsible for film exchange and preparing opponent scouting reports. He also helps with the Gannon’s recruiting efforts. Whitling held the same responsibilities during his time with Brunelli at Anderson.

“I’m very excited that Mike will be joining me at Gannon,” said Brunelli at the time of Whitling’s arrival. “We’ve worked together for the last three years and feel very comfortable with each other. It’s important because Mike knows me and what we want to accomplish. It will make for a smooth transition in the office, on the court and on the recruiting trail.

“Mike brings a good work ethic and a passion for wanting to make student-athletes better through skill development. He is a student of the game and always wants to learn to get better. His knowledge of the game and more importantly his ability to teach our system right from the start are critical. I look forward to welcoming him to the Gannon family.”

Anderson won the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) regular-season and tournament championships during the final season with Brunelli and Whitling on the sideline, advancing to the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional. The Trojans gained national exposure with a 72-65 preseason victory at NCAA Division I Clemson. Academically, Anderson’s team grade point average rose to a 3.2 mark.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Gannon University family,” noted Whitling upon his hiring. “Gannon has a great women’s basketball tradition. I’m thrilled that Jim has brought me to Gannon to help continue that winning tradition.”

Whitling began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant coach for three seasons (2005-08) under legendary Clarion (Pa.) women’s basketball coach Margaret “Gie” Parsons. He assisted with on-court coaching, game management and the preparation of scouting reports. Whitling also helped recruit quality Division II athletes to the Golden Eagle program while developing and implementing preseason workout plans that included weightlifting and individual player development. He also managed the oversight of student-athlete academic performance and players’ class schedules. Clarion qualified for the PSAC Tournament all three seasons with Whitling on the staff. The Golden Eagles also ranked 16th in NCAA Division II with a 3.42 team grade point average.

The Knox, Pa., native earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Clarion in 2004. Whitling later received a master’s degree in Education in 2008. While at Clarion, he was a three-year letterwinner for the Golden Eagles’ baseball team. Whitling earned All-PSAC Western Division second-team utility honors, recording the fifth-highest single-season batting average (.357) in school history as a senior.