SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s golf program is excited to introduce three signees to the program on the 2023 National Signing Day. The Irish welcome Nick Ciocca, Lance Hollingshead and Mike Qiu, who are set to join the program in the fall of 2024.
Head Coach and Director of Golf, John Handrigan, is eager to add Ciocca, Hollingshead and Qiu to the program and is looking forward to the talent that will be joining the Irish.
“When you recruit to a place like Notre Dame, you’re looking for people who are elite across the board,” said Handrigan. “Their commitment to excellence, accomplishments and character are all top-notch. Coach Zedrick and I are excited about what this class brings to the table and will add to our values at Notre Dame. We can’t wait to have them on campus next fall!”
Nick Ciocca (Berwyn, PA)
- Ranked as high as #26 in the 2024 class on Junior Golf Scoreboard
- Three-Time Philadelphia Boys PGA Junior Champion (2020-2022)
- Helped Devon Prep to two PIAA 2A State Championships (2021, 2023)
- 2022 PIAA 2A State Individual Champion
- Qualified for 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur
- 2021 AJGA Imperial Headwear Classic Champions
“Nick has won at every level in junior golf – from his team and individual wins at the State Championship in Pennsylvania to winning at the AJGA level,” said Handrigan. “He’s been highly competitive against the best players in his class and his resume is full of elite tournament experience. Along with that, Nick’s work ethic and commitment to excellence in all areas is a perfect fit with the Notre Dame culture.”
- Ranked as high as #82 in 2024 class on Junior Golf Scoreboard
- Qualified for 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur
- 2021 Metropolitan Golf Association Boys Championship Winner
- Two Top-5’s and two top-10’s in AJGA events
- Currently ranked #116 in World Amateur Golf Ranking
- Represented China in 2023 Eisenhower Trophy (World Amateur Team Championship)
- 2023 IMG Academy Junior World Championship Runner-Up
- 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur – Advanced to Match Play
- 2022 China Amateur Open Series Final Champion
- 2022 China Amateur Golf Championship Winner
- 2022 FCG Collegiate National Championship Winner
“Mike’s rise to one of the world’s elite amateurs over the past two years has been incredible,” said Handrigan. “He’s proven that he can compete against the best juniors and amateurs in the world while even winning at the professional level in China. In getting to know him, you learn pretty quickly that he’s competitive in everything he does, which is a great fit at an elite institution like Notre Dame. Along with that, his character matches his competitiveness, which will lead to a successful career.”