Ken East's Whitehead never stops playing
Dave Ricci
Wednesday, October 20, 2026

Kenmore East senior Erin Whitehead is only 17 years old but she may get many people’s vote for President of the United States. Heck, dealing with the nation’s budget is stroll in the park compared to the balancing act Whitehead does in her daily routine.

Like her older brother Doug (class of 2003), Erin is a starter on three of the Bulldogs varsity sports teams.

More than just a participant, the athletically-gifted Whitehead is one of the area’s best examples of a scholastic three-sport star as she excels in volleyball, basketball and softball.

“It’s not like she’s just a basketball player who also plays volleyball. I think she does well in everything she plays. I had her in math class and she does well there too. Erin is just the kind of kid you want in your class and on your team,” said Lady Bulldogs varsity volleyball coach Julie Becker.

“Each sports gives me different things and playing them means so much to me. Volleyball is the most fun to play. In basketball, I’m the most intense ... softball I love being on the mound and I love the pressure of pitching,” Whitehead said.

As organized as she is, Whitehead admitted the load got heavy last year and her play on the volleyball court suffered. In addition to athletics she was a booster club president, worked as a baby-sitter, prepared for Regent’s exams and made college plans.

“She’s turned it around 180 percent. She’s one of the top people leaderwise on the team. She’s the one person on the court this year that never loses her concentration,” Becker said.

This year between school, games and homework, Whitehead is often on the go from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

It’s a pace that doesn’t always allow her to spend time with her friends outside of sports.

“It’s real hard when they want to go out (and I can’t) if I have a game or need to get some extra rest. They support me, they come to my big games so I’m lucky that I have such good friends,” she said.

Beyond her multiple all-league honors and other awards, Whitehead proclaimed the friendships she made with teammates will stay in her memories the most.
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