During her time at Pomona College, Whelan left an impressive stamp on the women’s tennis program. In 1990, 1991, and 1992, Whelan dominated the doubles scene, being crowned the NCAA Division III Doubles National Champion three straight years. During her final season, Whelan also captured the NCAA DIII singles title and led the Sagehens to the NCAA Division III team title. Whelan was awarded the Pomona-Pitzer Major Award in 1991, an honor earned by athletes who have contributed the most to his or her intercollegiate program. Whelan is also a recipient of the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Most Outstanding Student-Athlete Award and was inducted into the Pomona-Pitzer Hall of Fame in 2002.

For the past 16 years, Whelan has managed a multigenerational family office that invests in businesses and real estate in the Pacific Northwest. She has served as a board member of various organizations including the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, the Alliance of Angels, and the Northwest Entrepreneur Network.