Gaetino a Preseason All-ACC Honoree

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The reigning ACC Defender of the Year and senior captain of the No. 3 nationally ranked Notre Dame women’s soccer team, Eva Gaetino was named to the 2023 Preseason All-ACC Team on Thursday afternoon. Gaetino was previously named this week to the United Soccer Coaches National Defenders to Watch List. 

Enough cannot be said about the Irish defense last season. They only allowed 3.0 shots on goal per game. All-in-all, Notre Dame outscored its opposition 56-14. The Irish defense produced 14 shutouts, including six straight in the second half of the season. Furthermore, their shutout percentage of .609 ranked eighth in the country and first in the ACC. 

The defensive effort played a major part in the Irish securing a No. 1 seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament – first time since 2008. The Irish also made a run to the NCAA Quarterfinal round for the first time since 2012.

The First Team All-American also boasts two career goals and two career assists to her resume. 

Gaetino and the rest of the Fighting Irish kick off the season on Thursday, Aug. 17, against Milwaukee. First touch is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET inside Alumni Stadium. 

2023 ACC Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll

1. North Carolina (10) – 166
2. Florida State (2) – 146
3. Virginia (1) – 139
4. Notre Dame – 134
5. Duke (1) – 126
6. Clemson – 104
7. Pitt – 103
8. Wake Forest – 87
9. Virginia Tech – 81
10. NC State – 62
11. Louisville – 47
12. Syracuse – 35
13. Miami – 24
14. Boston College – 20

 – ND –