BEAUMONT, Texas — After pitching for Southern California and Texas, Ace Whitehead has reunited with former coach Sean Allen.

Whitehead joined Allen's staff as Lamar's director of pitching development in July 2026.

"I'm incredibly grateful and honored to join the Lamar baseball family," Whitehead said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to help develop our student-athletes, build meaningful relationships and contribute to a championship culture."

A native of Lampasas, Whitehead spent the 2026 season at USC, where he posted a 4.50 ERA with three strikeouts in three appearances, including two starts.

Prior to USC, Whitehead spent three seasons at Texas as a two-way player. He redshirted in 2025 to preserve eligibility.

In 2024, Whitehead made 15 appearances with 10 starts, compiling a 4-2 record and a 4.16 ERA while striking out 48 batters in 67 innings. He earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors.

During the 2023 season, Whitehead appeared in 34 games, including 16 on the mound. He went 4-0 with a 4.10 ERA, one save and 24 strikeouts in 26.1 innings.

At the plate, he made three starts and appeared in 18 games as an outfielder.

As a freshman in 2022, Whitehead hit .556 (10 for 18) with eight runs scored, two doubles and two RBIs while appearing in 25 games.

"I was fortunate to coach Ace at both Texas and USC and see firsthand how he elevates everyone around him," Allen said. "Once I learned that he wanted to pursue a career in coaching, I knew hiring him would be a priority if I ever had the opportunity.

"Ace is a flat-out winner and an intense competitor who understands how to build the right culture."

A four-year letter winner in both baseball and football at Lampasas High School, Whitehead finished his prep baseball career with a .432 batting average and a 0.95 ERA over 95.1 innings.

He earned all-state honors twice, in 2021 and 2024, as both a pitcher and outfielder, and was named the district newcomer of the year in 2018.

On the football field, Whitehead was named the Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after starring at quarterback. He also appeared on the 4A cover of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine in 2020.