SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Hard work has paid off for Taona Mhwandagara, who spent last season as the graduate student manager for the Notre Dame women’s tennis program. That passion and dedication to the program resulted in head coach Alison Silverio naming him as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
“I am honored to welcome Taona back to our program as an assistant coach. After serving as our team manager last season, we are thrilled to utilize his distinctive gifts to enhance our program,” Coach Silverio stated. “Taona possesses a deep intelligence, humility, and relentless hunger to improve. We are grateful for his unwavering faith, and we know his leadership will greatly impact our student-athletes’ development.”
Mhwandagara played a pivotal part in Notre Dame’s successful 2025-26 season. The Fighting Irish ultimately recorded a 19-10 overall record and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Individually, the Irish landed two student-athletes (Bianca Molnar and Bojana Pozder) on the All-ACC Team, three earned ITA Midwest Regional awards, seven were named to the ACC All-Academic Team, while the whole squad earned ITA All-Academic Team status.
At year’s end, Mhwandagara graduated from the Mendoza College of Business with a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Administration.
“I am deeply grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve and contribute to this ever-growing program. May Our Lady guide us as we pursue excellence and reach new heights. Verso l’alto,” Mhwandagara said.