Notre Dame Director of Golf John Handrigan has announced the addition of Caroline Powers Ellis to his staff as the head women’s golf coach. Powers Ellis is joining the Irish after spending six seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater Michigan State.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Caroline to the Irish golf family as she epitomizes Notre Dame’s core values and will be a great representative of our University,” Handrigan said.
“Caroline has proven she can recruit elite student-athletes who compete for championships while having great success academically and in their local communities. The opportunity to combine Caroline’s recipe for success with our resources at Notre Dame will lead to a championship-level program.”
A former Michigan State All-American and Big Ten Golfer of the Year, Powers Ellis has made a lasting impression in the coaching profession over six years with the Spartans.
Michigan State qualified for an NCAA Regional appearance in every season Powers-Ellis was on staff, advancing to two national competitions and while claiming three Big Ten titles during her tenure in East Lansing. The Bowling Green, Ohio, native played a major role in the recruitment and growth of players while assisting with all areas of developing the Spartan players and program which included practice plans, tournament preparation, coordination of camps and clinics and organizing the annual Spartan Golf Classic Fundraiser.
“Thank you to Jack Swarbrick, Jim Fraleigh and John Handrigan for the opportunity to lead the Fighting Irish Women’s Golf Team,” Powers-Ellis said.
“I am honored to be joining this premier institution; one that holds the highest standards for student-athletes in the classroom, on the golf course and as leaders in the community. Notre Dame is a special place and when I stepped on campus I could feel the passion and enthusiasm in everyone I met.
“There is no limit to what this team can achieve and I am excited to work alongside Coach Handrigan as our two teams become united as one program. I am eager to get started and to advance the legacy of Notre Dame Golf.”
As a member of the Michigan State coaching staff, Powers Ellis helped develop multiple All-Americans, all-conference players and two student-athletes who earned the Big Ten’s Mary Fossum Award for the lowest stroke average to par during an individual season.
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