ONEONTA, N.Y. - Head Oneonta cross country/track & field coach Chris Wilber is pleased to announce the hiring of Chelsea Whalen as an associate head coach for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Whalen previously coached at Shenandoah University and will primarily be responsible for the Red Dragons' throws program.
"We are very excited to add Chelsea to our staff for the upcoming year," said Wilber. She has a history of success as both a coach and a student-athlete. We are confident that she can contribute to our throwers' and the cross country/track & field program's overall success!"
Whalen served as the Hornets' assistant coach since 2021 and helped the team to two throws All-Americans during that span.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Whalen graduated from Florida State University in 2014, qualified for two NCAA Championships, and set the program shot put record there. She is also a former member of the Canadian National Team and was a three-time All-American (two in javelin, one in shot put). In 2022, Whalen obtained her USTFCCCA certification in strength and conditioning.
"The SUNY Oneonta Athletic Department is extremely excited to add Chelsea to our coaching staff," said athletic director Ryan Hooper. "Her time as a student-athlete and coaching experience at all three NCAA Divisions will make an immediate impact on our student-athletes. I know that the cross country and track and field programs will benefit from her knowledge of the sport. We can't wait to welcome her to the Red Dragon family."
Whalen represented Team Canada at numerous international competitions, such as the World University Games and Jeux de la Francophonie. She also competed at the IAAF World Junior Championships, hosted in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, in 2010 and the World Youth Championships in 2009 in Brixen, Italy.
Whalen earned both a bachelor's and master's degree at Florida State as a sports management major. She also holds certifications from the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Whalen is also USATF Level 1 and USATF Level 2 Throws specialist certified.
