Kelsi Dahlia Joins Notre Dame as Associate Coach

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Kelsi Dahlia Joins Notre Dame as Associate Coach

Olympic gold medalist and recently retired Kelsi Dahlia has joined the staff at Notre Dame as an associate coach.

Dahlia swam for new Notre Dame head coach Chris Lindauer, hired in April, during her stellar career at the Louisville. Associate head coach Kameron Chastain also coached with Lindauer in Louisville.

“I’m very thankful to Chris and the administration at Notre Dame for the opportunity and honor of coaching at this historic university,” Dahlia said in a Notre Dame press release. “I’m so grateful for the lessons I’ve learned as a swimmer, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to take those experiences into this coaching role. I’m looking forward to supporting the student-athletes at the highest level, both academically and athletically. I am so excited to support the lofty goals the team sets and will fight together to accomplish!”

Dahlia retired last month after an outstanding career in the college ranks and internationally. A four-time national champion, she made the podium 10 times at NCAAs, including setting an American record in the women’s 100 butterfly in 2015.

Under her maiden name, Kelsi Worrell, did the butterfly double in her final NCAAs on the way to qualifying for the 2016 Olympics, where she won gold for swimming prelims of the 400 medley relay. She finished ninth in the 100 fly. Dahlia did not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Dahlia retired as the world-record holder in the short-course meters 100 fly, set last December, plus four SCM relays. She won eight medals (five golds) at Long-Course Worlds, 10 golds and 15 total medals at Short-Course Worlds and medals at Pan Pacs and Pan Ams.

“As an Olympic gold medalist and current world record holder, Kelsi immediately brings an elite level of perspective to the Notre Dame Swimming & Diving program,” Lindauer said. “However, she will be most impactful to our program because of the person she is. Kelsi brings compassion, love, and a humble heart to our program that will help teach and set an example for our student-athletes on how to pursue being an elite student-athlete in the classroom and in the pool. This is one of the most impactful hires in program history and I’m so excited to welcome Kelsi and Thomas to our Notre Dame family. Go Irish!”

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