University of Notre Dame Director of Golf John Handrigan has announced the addition of Kari Bellville to his staff as an assistant coach, working with both the men’s and women’s teams.
Bellville is joining the Irish after spending the 2021-22 season as the head coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
“We made a commitment to Notre Dame Golf to put together the best coaching staff in the country and Kari is the final piece to that puzzle,” said Handrigan.
“Kari’s love for Notre Dame along with her exceptional talent as a player and Coach will play a major role in the development of our student athletes. We are fortunate to have her back in South Bend.”
A 2018 Notre Dame graduate and three-year women’s golf student-athlete, Bellville returns to her hometown to join the Fighting Irish golf staff. She was a four-year letterwinner and team captain at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana.
“I am honored and thankful to come back home to Notre Dame and be a part of this unified program,” Bellville said.
“The chance to collaborate with Coach Handrigan, Coach Powers Ellis, and Coach Zedrick in an environment of the highest standards, elevated passion and eagerness to compete thrilled me. Thank you to Coach Powers Ellis for this coaching opportunity. Notre Dame is a special place, and I look forward to what is to come with both teams as we shift into a new era of Notre Game Golf.”
At UAB, Bellville coached the women’s team to a 12th place finish in the Conference USA. The Blazers also placed 10th when they hosted the Hoover Invitational.
Prior to UAB, Bellville was an assistant coach at Texas State where the Bobcats finished as a runner up in the Sun Belt Conference.
“I am extremely excited for Kari to return to her alma mater and join our staff,” women’s head coach Powers Ellis said.
“Her passion for Notre Dame and this program is unmatched and she will make an immediate impact on the players. Kari’s playing experience along with coaching at multiple institutions will bring a unique perspective and I know she will play a vital role in this program’s success.”
Bellville did not compete during her senior year at Notre Dame, finishing up her degree in marketing. She utilized her final year of eligibility at Indiana University in 2018-19, helping the Hoosiers advance to the NCAA tournament by finishing 19th as an individual in the NCAA Regional.
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