For many in Stockton, the Whelihan name is closely tied to University of the Pacific football. Craig Whelihan ’95 quarterbacked for the Tigers before spending two seasons with the San Diego Chargers in the mid-1990s.

Now, nearly 30 years later, the family name has returned to Pacific athletics. His daughter, Kelly Whelihan ’29, is beginning her own chapter as a first year on the Pacific softball team.

Before the recruiting process began, Kelly Whelihan said she knew little about Pacific beyond her father’s connection with the football program. But when collegiate softball became a realistic possibility during high school, her parents encouraged her to reach out to Craig Whelihan’s alma mater.

“When I became of age to get recruited and send out emails to college coaches, my parents suggested I send one to my dad’s school,” she said. “Pacific started to show interest in me and that’s when I really got excited about the possibility to play at the same school my dad did.”

As Kelly Whelihan’s interest in Pacific grew, Craig began revisiting memories from his own time in Stockton. Drafted in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Chargers, Craig Whelihan started 14 games across two seasons in San Diego, throwing for 3,160 yards and 14 touchdowns.

His professional career came after a standout season at Pacific in 1994, when he started all nine games and passed for 2,318 yards and 17 touchdowns while leading the Tigers to a 5–4 record.

“When Pacific found me at one of the softball events in Southern California, they put two and two together about my last name and we had a long, fun discussion and made an immediate connection,” Craig Whelihan said. “Giving my daughter information started with that connection and reopened that book. I was excited to tell her about Pacific and share my experience and show her the growth of the university since I was there. I wouldn’t trade my Pacific experience for the world.”

Now settling into her freshman season, Kelly Whelihan said the experience has lived up to what first drew her to the program.

“My favorite part of Pacific and Stockton has been being able to play alongside such an amazing group of girls,” she said. “Being around a group that pushes each other, supports one another, and genuinely enjoys being together has made the transition feel a lot easier.”

Through the early part of her collegiate career, Kelly Whelihan has begun carving out a role in the lineup. She has appeared in 22 games with 13 starts, recording 12 hits, including a triple, and six RBIs.

Along with the resources Pacific provides to help student-athletes balance academics and athletics, Kelly Whelihan says having a mentor who once walked the same campus has been invaluable.

“It’s amazing that my dad has been through the same things as me,” she said. “Getting to the highest level in his sport, he knows all the sacrifices you have to make to excel. He understands the time commitment, the pressure and the balance between school and sports, so he’s always been able to give me good advice and support.”

For Craig Whelihan, watching his daughter represent the same university he once did has been a full-circle moment.

“It’s been absolutely incredible,” he said. “From the first day I saw her in that uniform, it brought back so many memories. I’m so proud of her. I didn’t know what her freshman year would look like because I didn’t play much until my junior year, but for her to get some playing time and continue to show Coach [Sam] Duran-Kukuk that she deserves a chance every weekend is special. I was proud to wear the Pacific name, and my heart is filled with gratitude and excitement to watch her do the same.”

Duran-Kukuk said Kelly Whelihan has already embraced the culture the program strives to build.

“As a freshman, she has truly stepped up and showcased her talent on and off the softball field,” Duran-Kukuk said. “Beyond her abilities as an athlete, she is an exceptional person who embodies what it means to be a Tiger. It’s clear that the Tiger spirit runs in her blood. Her family’s legacy with Pacific is something truly special, and we’re grateful that she, along with her parents and sister, continue to represent this university with pride.”

For Kelly Whelihan, the opportunity to wear Pacific across her jersey carries a deeper meaning.

“Being able to represent a place that means so much to my family while building my own experience here has been really special,” she said.

The Tigers next home game is Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. against Santa Clara. See the full softball schedule.