Kelly Earns ACC Defensive Player of the Week

A strong week between the posts has earned Notre Dame goalkeeper Blake Kelly recognition from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The ACC announced Tuesday that Kelly has been named the ACC Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week for matches played August 31 through September 6.

The junior goalkeeper helped Notre Dame pick up a pair of victories, as the Fighting Irish defeated Harvard 3-1 before earning a 2-1 victory over Michigan.

Kelly was busy in both matches.

The Holt, Michigan, native combined for 11 saves, stopping six shots against Harvard and another five against Michigan. He surrendered just two goals across the two victories and posted an .846 save percentage for the week.
Kelly’s performance continued a strong start to his junior season. Through Notre Dame’s first five matches, he leads the ACC with 22 saves and an average of 4.40 saves per game. His .759 save percentage ranks sixth in the conference.

The honor adds to what has already become an important role for Kelly within the Notre Dame program. He was named one of the Fighting Irish’s three captains entering the 2026 season after starting all 20 matches as a sophomore in 2025. Kelly recorded 71 saves, six shutouts and a .740 save percentage last season.

Kelly is the third player to earn ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors this season, following California’s Beau Morrison and SMU’s Jaylinn Mitchell. Clemson midfielder Ransford Gyan was selected as this week’s ACC Offensive Player of the Week.

Kelly and Notre Dame now turn their attention to ACC play. The Fighting Irish travel to Clemson on Friday, September 11, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern on ACCNX.