Neely Whitehead joined the Gannon women's basketball coaching staff in early October. She joined Brittany Batts as an assistant coach for head coach Cleve Wright.
“We are happy to have Neely join our staff,” exclaimed Wright. “She brings great energy and a desire for excellence.”
Whitehead is no stranger to the Gannon women’s basketball program after playing at Clarion from 2017-22. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nutrition and Fitness in May 2022 and had been working in that area as a certified nurse assistant worker at St. Paul’s Senior Living Community in Greenville, Pa.
She received a minor in Athletic Coaching while maintaining a near 3.50 GPA at Clarion, and now turns her attention to coaching. That’s not surprising since her mother Jeanette Whitehead, a former player at Gannon in the mid 1980’s, is a highly-respected coach who coached Neely for three years at Hickory High School. Jeanette Whitehead won 323 games in 20 years as Hickory’s head coach from 1996-2016.
Now Neely Whitehead embarks on her coaching career while joining the staff of the most successful coach at Gannon. Wright guided his 2021-22 Golden Knight squad to a 24-7 record, a second-straight PSAC championship, and a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
“I am very honored and excited to become a part of the Gannon Family,” related Whitehead. “The way this program shapes and influences each individual to reach new heights with a servant heart is truly indescribable. I look forward to working with Coach Wright, Coach Batts, and the team this season.”
Whitehead played in 99 games at Clarion. She scored 260 career points and handed out 108 assists. A 5’3” guard, she enjoyed her most successful season in 2020-21, averaging 4.4 ppg. with 34 assists while starting all 12 games.
After playing three years at Hickory High School, Whitehead concluded her high school playing as a senior at Kennedy Catholic High School. All told she compiled a 94-6 record as a prepster with two District 10 championships.
Whitehead’s brother Donald is a member of the men’s basketball team at California (Pa.) after a standout career at Hickory High School.
