SOUTH BEND, Ind. – University of Notre Dame head softball coach Deanna Gumpf has announced the addition of six student-athletes for her incoming recruiting class. Addison Amaral, Kami Kamzik, Olivia Levitt, Sydny Poeck, Tenley Sweet and Christina Willemssen make up the 2023 class. This class features a pitcher, two outfielders, an infielder and one that can play multiple positions.
“I’m thrilled to have this group join our team.” Coach Gumpf said about the 2023 signees, “They cover the gamut on the field and will provide key pieces for our program. This is a dynamic group that adds a ton of versatility to our team. They understand and live the identity and the purpose of our program. We’re so excited to have them join our program next fall as we continue striding toward our goal of an ACC Championship, and a National Championship.”
Addison Amaral – INF – Salinas, Calif.
Amaral is a middle infielder that attended Notre Dame High School in Salinas, California where she lettered in softball and volleyball. Amaral is a career .389 hitter, having hit 11 home runs as she enters her senior season this spring.
“I chose Notre Dame because it offers an amazing mix of all the things I was looking for in a school; world class academics, the highest level of athletics and an environment that challenges me to be the best person I can be.” Amaral said, “It is truly amazing to have a place that is so beautiful and has so much history and to have an opportunity to call it home. I’m so excited to be Irish!”
“Addison is one of the top position players in the 2023 class.” Gumpf commented, “She’s been dominating at shortstop and at the plate during her prep career. She has a mature approach at the plate, which helps lead to her success. Defensively, her quick hands and work ethic are key attributes to help make her a high-caliber athlete.”
“It is truly amazing to have a place that is so beautiful and has so much history and to have an opportunity to call it home. I’m so excited to be Irish!” – Addison Amaral
The feeling is mutual, Addi 😃#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/PicB2D4i5d
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 9, 2022
“I am looking forward to an amazing four years!” Amaral continued, “I am so excited to begin to live a life-long dream of mine, being a student-athlete at one of the top universities in the country. I am thrilled to be mentored by a renowned coaching staff, interact with high-level student-athletes and to get to learn at a world acclaimed college. I will be dedicated to making an impact as Irish both on and off the field! I can’t wait to begin my time in South Bend! Go Irish!”
Kami Kamzik – RHP – Johnstown, Pa.
Kamzik is a pitcher from Central Cambria High School in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. In her last two seasons of varsity softball, she’s earned a 1.13 career ERA, striking out 346 hitters in 148.2 innings of work.
“I chose Notre Dame because of the education and the coaches.” Kamzik said, “No other school compared to the education, the culture nor staff.”
“Kami Kamzik does a great job of controlling hitters with her consistency and heavy spin.” Gumpf said, “her ability to attack hitters and dominate both up and down in the zone has allowed her to be one of the top pitchers in her class. We know she will bring a great new dimension to our pitching staff.”
“I am looking forward to a great four years of college and representing the Irish!” – Kami Kamzik#4forForever#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/YKpeXoOGLL
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 9, 2022
“I am looking forward to a great four years of college and representing the Irish!”
Olivia Levitt – INF – San Mateo, Calif.
Notre Dame added another infielder in Levitt. Levitt competes at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, California. In three varsity seasons, she’s hit for a .468 average with 15 doubles, six triples and six homers.
“Notre Dame feels like home the second you step foot on campus.” Levitt stated, “You always feel so welcomed and included in the Irish family. What’s not to love?”
“Olivia is a very consistent and gritty infielder.” Gumpf stated, “She just keeps getting better and better at her craft. The work ethic she’s displayed is key to her success at this point in her career. We’re excited for her to continue to lead with enthusiasm and intensity here at ND.”
“I am looking forward to the amazing school spirit, rich traditions and electric atmosphere at Notre Dame.” – Olivia Levitt
Olivia is ready to help us shake down the thunder ⛈ 😊 ⛈ #GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/XC1OqpFRy3
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 10, 2022
“I am looking forward to the amazing school spirit, rich traditions and electric atmosphere at Notre Dame.”
Sydny Poeck – UTL – Zionsville, Ind.
Poeck will add depth as a versatile defender around the diamond. Competing at Zionsville High, she plays club softball with the Indiana Bombers 18U Gold team.
“I chose Notre Dame for their amazing athletic program as well as their exceptional academics that will best prepare me for life after college.” Poeck said, “I love the accepting and faith-centered culture that Notre Dame has and I can’t wait to call it my home!”
“Sydny is an in-state talent that brings a lot of power from the left side.” Gumpf said, “I love her versatility on defense, that can be such an overlooked component for an athlete. Her ability to play multiple positions can help open our lineup to get the most production we can on the field.”
“I chose Notre Dame for their amazing athletic program as well as their exceptional academics that will best prepare me for life after college.” – Sydny Poeck#4forForever#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/xXv6uskIiv
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 9, 2022
“I am looking forward to being challenged at the highest level academically and athletically and proudly representing the Irish community. Go Irish!”
Tenley Sweet – OF – Newhall, Calif.
A last name familiar to Irish fans will be back in the outfield at Melissa Cook Stadium next season. Sweet, sister of Irish alumna Abby Sweet, will be joining the program in 2023. The younger Sweet hit for a .557 average as a junior with 10 home runs in 28 games. She’s a career .510 hitter with 40 RBI in her high school career.
“I chose Notre Dame because there truly is no other place that makes me feel more at home than The University of Notre Dame.”
“Tenley comes from a big Notre Dame family.” Gumpf said, “She’s a five-tool player, hitting for average and power with speed on the bases and great instincts in the outfield. We’re excited to now have her in our softball family officially and allow her to pave her own path at Notre Dame.”
“I chose Notre Dame because there truly is no other place that makes me feel more at home than The University of Notre Dame.” – Tenley Sweet
Nowhere else, but Notre Dame. #GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/CnlAr6E62h
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 9, 2022
“Now that I am officially Irish, I am looking forward to competing at the highest level both academically and athletically at the best place on earth.”
Christina Willemssen – OF – Fairfax, Va.
Willemssen will join Sweet in the outfield. She competed for Robinson Secondary School and is coached by her mother, Suzy Willemssen with her club team, VA Glory National.
“I chose Notre Dame for its incredible combination of big school atmosphere, the softball program’s history of excellence and receiving and education second to none – all while taking place in a home-like setting.” Willemssen said, “The coaches have created an environment where everyone strives together, gives each other their best and are tremendous role models. I’m so excited to grow both as a person and player under their wing.”
“Christina has great range and has a huge arm in the outfield.” Gumpf stated, “She’s demonstrated a high softball IQ and knows how to play the game the right way. She is also a huge offensive threat with her lefty power and her aggressiveness on the bases.”
“The coaches have created an environment where everyone strives together, gives each other their best and are tremendous role models. I’m so excited to grow both as a person and player under their wing.” – Christina Willemssen
All aboard @NDcoachGumpf‘s energy 🚌!#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/01zoroEOsf
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 9, 2022
“Now that I’m officially Irish, I’m even more excited to follow the team’s upcoming journey and get to know future teammates.” She continued, “I could not be more thrilled for this new adventure.”