NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Karen & Kevin Keyes Family Notre Dame women’s basketball head coach Niele Ivey has officially filled out her coaching staff and brought home an Irish great all-in-one. On Wednesday morning, 2008 Notre Dame alumna Charel Allen was named as the new assistant coach.
“Excited to welcome Charel back to the Notre Dame family,” Coach Ivey said. “Charel brings a high-level mentality that leads to great player development. She possesses experience at every level – collegiately, professionally and internationally. She’s a rising star in this industry. She’s extremely passionate and loyal and understands what it takes to excel as a student-athlete at Notre Dame.”
Allen was a two-time All-American, two-time First Team All-Big East selection and served as team captain over her final two seasons at Notre Dame. Allen averaged team bests 17.0 points and 6.2 rebounds as a junior then led the Irish to a Sweet 16 berth during her senior year, scoring a career-high 35 points in a second-round overtime win over Oklahoma – which still stands as the second-best Irish scoring performance in the NCAA Tournament.
She was the first player in school history to amass 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists and 200 steals in her career. In fact, she still ranks 15th on the all-time scoring list with 1,566 career points.
“I’m coming home! I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a powerful leader in Niele and her staff. I can’t wait to get started,” Allen said.
Allen was selected in the third round of the 2008 WNBA Draft by the then Sacramento Monarchs, helping the team advance to the ‘08 WNBA Playoffs.
In 2009, Allen made the leap overseas and played professionally in Bulgaria for eight seasons. Allen was a five-time Bulgarian League champion in addition to being named a four-time All-Bulgarian League First Team selection, with Player of the Year honors in 2014.
In the summer of 2017, Allen made the shift to the coaching ranks and joined the staff at Cal State Fullerton. She was then promoted to associate head coach in May of 2021.
At Fullerton, Allen helped with recruiting along with coaching the wings for the Titans. In her first year, Allen saw her shooting guard Hannah Thompson average 12.4 points per game and convert 72 three-pointers – fifth most for a single season. A year later, freshman Amiee Book went on to win the Big West Sixth Player of the Year award and now ranks third in program history for three-point shooting percentage.
Lastly, Allen will waste no time as she hits the recruiting road with the rest of the Irish staff this week.
— ND –