McDonagh selected to lead Bellevue women’s basketball program

BELLEVUE, Neb. — Bellevue University Athletics announced today the hiring of Stephanie McDonagh as head coach of the Bruins' women's basketball program.

The former University of Providence standout and longtime Argos assistant becomes the second head women's basketball coach in Bellevue University history.

A member of the Providence women's basketball staff for the past six seasons, McDonagh spent the last two years as associate head coach after serving as an assistant coach from 2020-24. She has been part of three Frontier Conference championship teams and seven NAIA National Tournament berths as a player and coach. Her coaching tenure at Providence included the Argos' 2024 NAIA national runner-up finish, the 2024 Frontier Conference championship, and the 2025 Frontier Conference Tournament title.

"Stephanie stood out immediately because of her ability to connect with student-athletes, evaluate talent, and build relationships," athletic director Ed Lehotak said. "She has been part of championship teams as both a player and a coach, and she understands the daily standard required to compete at a high level. Her background at Providence, including her work as a lead recruiter and defensive coordinator, gives her a strong foundation to lead our program. We are excited to welcome Stephanie to Bellevue University and look forward to the impact she will have on our student-athletes and our women's basketball program."

"I am incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program at Bellevue University, and I want to thank Bellevue University and the search committee for their belief in me and my vision for the program," McDonagh said. "I can't wait to add to the winning culture that Bellevue University Athletics already has and be a part of the Bruin family."

After being named associate head coach in July 2024, McDonagh served as Providence's lead defensive coordinator and lead recruiting coordinator. Her responsibilities also included scheduling preseason games, managing the program's yearly budget and travel logistics, and assisting in overall program operations.

During the 2024-25 season, Providence finished 22-8, placed second in the Frontier Conference regular-season standings, won the Frontier Conference Tournament championship, and qualified for the NAIA National Tournament. The Argos were ranked second in the West in the final NAIA ARC ratings and finished with a 3.66 team GPA. That season, Providence produced two first-team all-conference selections and two WBCA All-Americans.

The previous season, Providence went 27-9, setting a school record for wins while advancing to the NAIA national championship game. The Argos also won the Frontier Conference championship, placed second in the league's regular-season standings, and produced one NAIA All-American, one WBCA honorable mention All-American, the Frontier Conference Freshman of the Year, Frontier Conference Newcomer of the Year, Frontier Conference Defensive Player of the Year, two first-team all-conference selections, and one second-team all-conference honoree.

"Bellevue has a strong foundation, and I'm eager to build a culture centered around hard work, accountability, and competing at a championship level every single day," McDonagh said. "I'm looking forward to developing meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and creating a program that represents the university and community with pride both on and off the court."

Providence also recorded a 25-win season, a 12-game winning streak, a Frontier Conference co-championship, and an NAIA National Tournament appearance in 2021-22 during McDonagh's time on staff. The Argos qualified for the NAIA National Tournament during the 2020-21 season and placed second in the Frontier Conference regular-season standings.

Her coaching experience also includes international competition. McDonagh served as an assistant coach for the USA women's basketball team that won a silver medal at the 2022 FISU America Games and was part of Providence's 2024 trip to Athens, Greece, where the Argos competed against a professional team.

"Competing at a high level and making a run to the national championship game showed me the importance of culture, accountability, and believing in something bigger than yourself," McDonagh said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to bring those experiences to Bellevue University and build a program centered around hard work, strong relationships, and competitiveness."

Before entering coaching, McDonagh completed one of the top playing careers in University of Providence history. She started every game of her collegiate career from 2014-18 and finished second in program history in career points with 1,758, second in rebounds with 758, second in assists with 346, and first in steals with 273. She also set the program single-game record with 10 steals.

As a freshman, McDonagh was part of the first Providence team to qualify for the NAIA National Tournament. She earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore before being named an NAIA honorable mention All-American, Frontier Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and second-team all-conference selection as a junior. As a senior, she was named an NAIA second-team All-American, WBCA honorable mention All-American, Frontier Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and first-team all-conference selection.

"I am incredibly grateful for my time at the University of Providence, and for everything I learned while building relationships with our student-athletes, staff, and community," McDonagh said. "I am thankful to Coach Himmelberg for all he has taught me as a player and a coach."

In the classroom, McDonagh earned academic all-conference honors all four years at Providence and was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete from 2016-18. She graduated from Providence with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2018 and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Providence in 2024.

A native of Vancouver, Washington, McDonagh attended Skyview High School, where she was part of the Storm's 2012 Washington Class 4A state championship team.

James Benford, who served as Bellevue's interim head coach for the majority of the 2025-26 season, will remain on staff as an assistant coach. Benford has served as an assistant coach with the program since its inaugural 2016-17 season.

Bellevue finished the 2025-26 season with a 10-17 overall record and a 6-16 mark in Frontier Conference play, placing 10th in the final regular-season standings.

McDonagh officially begins her duties with the Bruins on Monday, May 18.