SOUTH BEND, Ind. — On a coaching staff full of experience at both the professional and collegiate levels, another former head coach has joined the ranks.
On Thursday, Notre Dame announced the addition of Heather Oesterle, who will serve as the strategic program director on Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach Niele Ivey’s staff. She spent the last four years as the head coach of the women’s team at Central Michigan, including winning a 2021 Mid-American Conference Tournament title.
“I am truly excited for Heather to join our NDWBB family as our strategic program director,” Ivey said. “Heather has a wealth of collegiate coaching experience and knowledge and is one of the most hardworking coaches in the business. In this brand new position, Heather will be the liaison for NIL education and brand-building for our student athletes and will offer tremendous support on and off the court for them. She will also play a role in supporting me with daily objectives that range from scheduling to cross-departmental communications to special projects.”
Prior to becoming the head coach of the Chippewas, Oesterle served as an assistant for Central Michigan for nine seasons. She helped get the team to three NCAA Tournaments and a program-best Sweet 16 appearance in 2018. The group also made the MAC Tournament eight times.
In addition to Central Michigan, Oesterle had assistant stints at Northern Illinois (2008-10), Miami (Ohio) (2003-08) and Stanford (2002-03). She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 hails from Mason, Mich.