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Articles by Liam Coolican
Three Irish players selected in NFL Draft, seven sign as free agents
The 2023 NFL Draft took place from Thursday-Saturday in Kansas City. Three Irish players were taken in the seven-round process, with seven more signing shortly after the draft’s conclusion as undrafted free agents. TE Michael Mayer (Drafted No. 35 by Las Vegas Raiders) After a curious slip out of the first round, Notre Dame’s record-setting tight end landed in a strong situation in Las Vegas. The Raiders traded starter Darren Waller this offseason and signed veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard.
Citron steps into leadership role as Irish make tournament run
When All-American guard Olivia Miles went down with a knee injury Feb. 26, many thought Notre Dame’s dreams of a deep tournament run were all but over. The Irish were already missing sharpshooting graduate guard Dara Mabrey, who suffered a torn ACL in Jan., and it was clear in their blowout loss to Louisville in the ACC Tournament semifinals that they desperately missed Miles’ unmatched creativity and scoring ability.
Coolican: The incredible atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic
It would have been impossible to script a better ending for the World Baseball Classic. Mike Trout against Shohei Ohtani. Bottom of the ninth. Two outs. 3-2 count. One run game. Ohtani dispatched his MLB teammate with an absolutely wicked slider to secure the 3-2 victory for Japan in the final game of the tournament Tuesday night. It was the perfect conclusion to what was perhaps the most exciting ten days of baseball we have ever witnessed.
Irish hope to recapture 2015 magic in Greensboro
As Mike Brey prepares to coach his final game on the Notre Dame sideline, in his final ACC Tournament, he gets to revisit the site of what he calls his “ultimate memory:” Notre Dame’s 2015 ACC Tournament championship. The Irish came into Greensboro eight years ago as the third-seeded team in the conference and proceeded to rattle off three wins in three days to claim their first and only ACC championship.
Irish fall flat in regular season finale
Mathematically, Saturday night’s regular-season finale at Clemson meant nothing for Notre Dame men’s basketball. The Irish were already locked into the 14th seed of the ACC Tournament and a first-round matchup with 11th-seeded Virginia Tech. Emotionally, however, it meant a whole lot more.
Mike Brey takes home win as Irish upset Pitt in final home game // The Observer
It didn’t matter that Notre Dame had won just two conference games all season. It didn’t matter that they were facing the top team in the ACC. For one magical night, the Irish delivered an inspired performance to send off Mike Brey and the six graduate students who have meant so much to this program in their final home game in South Bend.
Observer on the Ground: College hockey at its finest at Yost
When Notre Dame’s hockey schedule was released in the fall, and I saw they concluded the season in Ann Arbor, I knew right away I had to be there. It was sure to be a big game and ended up being even more important than I had imagined with the Irish needing a win to secure home ice in the first round of the Big Ten tournament. Full disclosure: I grew up in Ann Arbor as a Michigan fan.
Brey, seniors prepare for final home game
23 seasons. 401 games at Purcell Pavilion. Countless memories. But is Mike Brey emotional as he prepares to coach his last home game in South Bend. “Not at all,” Brey said Tuesday prior to practice. “I’ve mentally prepared myself for it, so I am going to embrace it as best possible and hopefully we play well against a really good team.” Brey said 30 of his former players will be in attendance alongside players from previous eras of Notre Dame basketball.
Mike Brey to Retire: Legendary Irish coach steps down after 23 years // Scholastic // University of Notre Dame
After 23 years at the helm of the Notre Dame men’s basketball program, Mike Brey announced on Jan. 19 that he would be stepping down at the conclusion of the season. “I’ve had 23 years, it’s unbelievable, it’s been amazing, but I firmly believe that down the road it needs to be somebody else,” Brey said. Brey retires as the winningest head coach in the 119-year history of Notre Dame basketball.
Irish head to Duke for Brey’s last game at Cameron
Mike Brey and Mike Krzyzewski on a pickleball team at the Final Four? The possibility isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. “I haven’t really been able to talk to him since I made the announcement I was stepping down,” Brey said of the legendary former Duke coach who retired at the end of last season. “I’d love to pick his brain on advice,” he said, before adding that the pair would likely team up on the pickleball court at some point. He even joked that they might play at the Final Four in April.
Laszewski’s career-high 33 not enough as Irish fall to Hokies
Just before halftime, graduate student forward Nate Laszewski drilled his fourth three-pointer of the half to tie the game at 40 for Notre Dame. Yet Virginia Tech’s Sean Pedulla raced down the court and beat the buzzer with a deep triple of his own, and the Hokies entered the break with the lead. The final 10 seconds of the opening half would prove indicative of the game at large for the Irish Saturday afternoon.
Irish seek first road win against Yellow Jackets
The last time Notre Dame took on Georgia Tech, the mood in South Bend was hopeful. The Irish had emerged with a come-from-behind, 73-72 overtime victory at Purcell Pavilion. It seemed, after five straight losses to open conference play, they were primed to turn the season around. It was hard to believe that a team coming off a top-three finish in the ACC, a team that was minutes away from a Sweet Sixteen berth, could fall off so drastically.
Coolican: Imagining a midseason tournament for baseball
Imagine yourself in any mid-size minor league baseball town: Montgomery, Toledo, Frisco or South Bend. Now imagine the scene if an MLB team like the Yankees, Red Sox or Dodgers rolled into town for a playoff game. This could be a reality if MLB ever adopts a mid-season tournament similar to the English FA Cup. The hugely popular tournament matches up teams from the giants of the Premier League all the way down to the ninth division.
Coolican: Ten potential successors for Mike Brey
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Mike Brey, winningest head coach in Notre Dame history, to leave at end of season
Mike Brey, the winningest coach in Notre Dame men’s basketball history, plans to retire at the end of the season, the university announced Thursday afternoon. Brey is expected to tell the team after practice Thursday. The news comes amidst a disappointing season for the Irish. A year after finishing second in the ACC and returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017, the team has slumped to a 1-7 conference record this year.
Irish drop to 1-7 in ACC with loss to Seminoles
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Drew Pyne to enter transfer portal
Notre Dame starting quarterback Drew Pyne will enter the transfer portal, he announced on Twitter Friday afternoon. He is not expected to compete in the team’s upcoming bowl game, according to multiple sources. “One of my proudest honors is to have been a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame,” Pyne wrote on Twitter. “I have been blessed to be among great coaches and teachers and play with teammates I consider brothers.
Four key moments from Notre Dame's dominant win over Michigan State
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Keys to victory vs USC
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Coolican: Notre Dame’s performance vs. Navy exemplifies uneven year
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
‘I pray for moments like this’: Morrison leads Irish defense in rout
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
‘One of those special moments’: Irish knock off No. 4 Clemson 35-14
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Coolican: Coaching staff must put their faith in Pyne
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Coolican: ‘They wrote me off, I ain’t write back:’ Smith, rookies lead Seattle resurgence
“They wrote me off, I ain’t write back though,” Geno Smith said after the Seattle Seahawks’ 17-16 victory over the Denver Broncos to open the season. The quote, which instantly reverberated throughout the NFL landscape, certainly is true of Smith, but it also applies to the entire Seahawks team.
Keys to victory versus Syracuse
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Harvard transfer Smith prepares for bigger role
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Shamrock Series presents unique recruiting opportunities for Notre Dame
Anyone is welcome to submit Letters to the Editor, guest columns, quotes, cartoons, comic strips and poems to the Viewpoint Department of The Observer. Items submitted by members of the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community will be given preference for publication. The opinions expressed in the Viewpoint section are not necessarily those of The Observer. Columns, Letters to the Editor, poems, comic strips, cartoons and quotes are commentaries.
Coolican: Win over UNC must serve as turning point for Irish offense
Before kick-off Saturday in Chapel Hill, I noted that if Drew Pyne and the Irish offense were unable to get it going against the North Carolina defense, I wasn’t sure they would be able to do so against anybody. The Tar Heels came into the contest allowing opponents an average of 468 yards per game, so it was the perfect opportunity for the Irish to turn things around offensively. Drew Pyne & Co. did that, and then some.
"An unbelievable player:" Michael Mayer elevates impact on and off the field
Early in the second quarter, with the game tied at seven, Notre Dame dialed up a play that surprised everyone in the stadium: a jet sweep to junior tight end Michael Mayer. “He’s a beast,” head coach Marcus Freeman said after the game. “[Mayer] is a heck of a football player, and you’re a fool if you don’t find ways to get the ball in his hands, and we found a unique way.” The play gained seven yards but seemed to catch the North Carolina defense off guard.
Coolican: Find joy in this season
The mood in the locker room after Notre Dame’s victory over Cal last weekend was jubilant. It was Marcus Freeman’s first career win as a head coach, and it was the first win of the season for the players and coaches who worked so hard in the offseason for this moment. Compare that to the mood of Irish fans as the game came to an end. Rather than joy, it was more a collective sigh of relief that was heard across South Bend as Cal’s last-second Hail Mary attempt finally fell harmlessly to the ground.
Notre Dame's keys to victory against Cal
Marcus Freeman is still searching for his first win as a head coach, after starting his career off 0-3. Prior to the season, many predicted that this weekend’s matchup would be a walk in the park for the Irish. But the season has not gone as planned for anyone in South Bend. Oddsmakers, however, still believe in the Irish, as they are currently listed as 11-point favorites heading into the contest.
Irish women's soccer looks to build on perfect start, heads into ACC play
After finishing off a perfect non-conference schedule this weekend, the Notre Dame women’s soccer team will look to build on their momentum as they travel to Clemson Thursday night. “We have high hopes for this season, we have a really talented team,” head coach Nate Norman said after Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Ohio. “We’re clicking, we can do some major damage.” The Irish (7-0-0), winners of their first seven games of the year, moved up to sixth in this week’s United Soccer Coaches Poll.
Coolican: Major League Baseball rule changes a step forward for game
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has often found himself in hot water with fans, from his handling of the Astros’ cheating scandal to using two types of baseballs, but he finally was able to enact change that will improve baseball for years to come. Of course, the new rule changes aren’t without controversy, but data in the minor leagues has proven that these changes will be a positive for baseball overall.
Former walk-on Matt Salerno primed for bigger role in Irish offense
The pass was tipped once, twice and then three times before Matt Salerno, on his back, brought the ball in for a 31-yard gain. The improbable catch extended a Notre Dame drive early in the second quarter and led to their only touchdown of the game. “It’s probably the biggest play I’ve made in my career,” Salerno said.
Irish secondary prepares for prolific Buckeye offense
If Notre Dame has any hope of upsetting Ohio State in Columbus this weekend, they will have to start by slowing down the Buckeyes dynamic passing attack. Despite losing star receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave in the first round of the NFL draft, the Buckeyes still boast likely Heisman contenders quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Irish softball selected for Evanston regional
Notre Dame softball found out their postseason destination Sunday night, as they were selected as the No. 2 seed in the Evanston regional. The 18th-ranked Irish will face host Northwestern, McNeese, and Oakland throughout the weekend. Play begins Friday as the Irish take on McNeese to begin the double-elimination tournament. Should the Irish advance, they will move on to a best-of-three super regional to determine who advances to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Two Irish drafted in 2022 NFL Draft, six more sign contracts
Two former Notre Dame players heard their names called in the 2022 NFL Draft. Six more signed as undrafted free agents. Baltimore Ravens draft Kyle Hamilton 14th overall Kyle Hamilton was one of two Irish players drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. He went 14th overall to the Baltimore Ravens. Even that represented a slip, as Hamilton entered as a potential top-five pick. However, he lands in a very solid situation with the playoff-contending Ravens.
Irish score 42 runs, erase six-run deficit on Sunday to sweep Demon Deacons
Notre Dame baseball earned another conference sweep, this time dispatching Wake Forest. The three victories improved their record in South Bend to 12-1. The series had a little bit of everything. It saw another great pitching performance from graduate student ace John Michael Bertrand on Friday, a record-setting offensive performance on Saturday, and a come from behind victory in the series finale. The offense was impressive throughout the series, combining for 42 runs across the three games.
‘Up and down’ Pyne struggles to find rhythm in Blue and Gold game
Fans heading to the Blue and Gold game Saturday afternoon were hoping to get their first look at the anticipated quarterback competition between sophomore Tyler Buchner and redshirt sophomore Drew Pyne. Those hopes were dashed Tuesday when Buchner rolled his ankle. Still, fans in attendance got to see plenty of Pyne, who started under center for both sides of the scrimmage.
Irish sweep Clemson, earn eighth straight victory
Thanks to multiple strong pitching performances and timely hitting throughout the weekend, Notre Dame (20-5, 8-4 ACC) swept Clemson (19-12, 2-9 ACC) in a three-game set. The Irish dominated the Tigers, 4-2, 8-1 and 9-3, en route to their second consecutive ACC series sweep and eighth straight victory. “Proud of the way we played, in all phases of the game,” head coach Link Jarrett said after Sunday’s victory.
Irish look to bounce back against No. 5 Seminoles // The Observer
After suffering four consecutive conference defeats, No. 13 Notre Dame baseball will look to bounce back this weekend on the road against No. 5 Florida State. It will be Link Jarrett’s first trip to Tallahassee as a head coach, where he was a four-year starter, 1991-94. “This will be a super-regional,” Jarrett said of the upcoming weekend. The Seminoles have won each of their three conference series to this point. “To go execute and perform and play, you can’t just do it today.
Coolican: The sports world has failed Brittany Griner
Brittany Griner’s detention in Russia should be the biggest story in the sports world right now. If you haven’t heard about it — which wouldn’t be all that surprising, considering how sparsely it has been covered — the WNBA star was arrested last month after Russian customs officials found vape cartridges containing CBD oil in her luggage. The information wasn’t made public until more than two weeks after her arrest. She now faces up to 10 years in prison.
Bullpen collapse dooms Irish in ACC home opener, rest of series cancelled
There exists a certain risk to playing baseball in South Bend in March. After Friday’s 10-5 defeat, the remaining two games of Notre Dame’s first home ACC series against Virginia Tech were canceled due to weather conditions. Amidst rain and snow, temperatures dropped into the 20s. Friday’s loss to the Hokies was the Irish’s fourth consecutive defeat, after dropping all three games to Louisville the previous weekend.
Notre Dame rowing returns to action at Cardinal Invite
Notre Dame women’s rowing opened their season this weekend at the Cardinal Invite at Melton Lake Rowing Venue in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It was the first competitive race for the Irish since the ACC championships last May. Head coach Martin Stone noted that he is happy with how the team has progressed since last season. “We’ve seen a lot of growth,” he said.
Notre Dame's tournament run comes to an end at the hands of Texas Tech // The Observer
Notre Dame’s tournament run came to an end Sunday night at the hands of Texas Tech. The Irish, despite holding a three-point lead with two minutes to go, couldn’t overcome the Red Raider’s stifling defense and fell 59-53 in the round of 32. “We hung in there. We had our chances,” head coach Mike Brey said. “But they made a few more plays.
Career day from Ryan leads Irish to upset over Crimson Tide
Fans witnessed the Cormac Ryan show Friday afternoon in San Diego, California. The senior guard scored a career-high 29 points to lead eleventh-seeded Notre Dame to an upset over sixth-seeded Alabama in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Ryan shot an impressive 10-13 from the floor, including 7-9 from beyond the arc. He led all scorers and helped the Irish advance to the round of 32. His seven triples become a new Notre Dame tournament record.
Irish survive Rutgers in double-overtime thriller, advance to round of 64
It simply wasn’t going to be anyone else. After a 26 point performance in which he shot 13-15 from the field, it had to be Paul Atkinson Jr. who made the winning basket with less than two seconds remaining. His layup capped a thrilling double-overtime victory for Notre Dame over Rutgers. The Irish won 89-87 in the First Four on Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio. “I haven’t felt like that in a long time,” Atkinson said. “It’s amazing.
Men's, Women's squads each return to NCAA Tournament // The Observer
Following a resurgent year for Notre Dame basketball, both the men’s and women’s teams are going dancing once again. Mike Brey’s squad returns to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2017, while Niele Ivey makes her first tournament appearance as a head coach. Men’s squad head to the First Four The men’s team will be headed to Dayton, Oh, to compete in the First Four as they try to earn a spot in the field of 64.
Irish head to Brooklyn with lofty postseason aspirations
After one of the best regular-season campaigns in recent memory, Notre Dame will head to Brooklyn next week for the ACC Tournament. The Irish head to New York with lofty postseason aspirations. As a likely second seed, the Irish look to claim their best placement since joining the conference prior to the 2013-14 season. Notre Dame will look to capture its second ACC title, only previously cutting down the nets in Greensboro in 2015.
Irish blow out Georgia Tech, clinch double bye
Notre Dame dominated Georgia Tech from start to finish Saturday evening en route to a 90-56 victory at Purcell Pavilion. With the win, Notre Dame clinched a double bye in next month’s ACC tournament. The 34-point margin was also the Irish’s largest victory over a conference opponent since they joined the ACC in 2013. The last time these two teams faced off Jan. 8, the Irish (21-8, 14-4 ACC) needed overtime to dispatch the Yellow Jackets (11-18, 4-14 ACC).
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