SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame softball team announced the addition of six student-athletes to its 2024 freshman class. The Fighting Irish have signed three infielders, a pitcher, a catcher and a utility player in this year’s class, and spanning the country with hometowns in California, Florida and Illinois.
Kaia Cortes, Caitlyn Early, Rebecca Eckart, Avery Houlihan, Caroline O’Brien and Brianne Weiss make up this year’s class, ranked 14th by Extra Innings Softball.
Welcome to the squad, @KaiaCortes!
“Kaia is a left-handed power hitter who brings the ability to change the game with one swing. We’re excited to have Kaia and her family join our Irish softball family!” – @NDcoachGumpf #GoIrish☘️ #NSD23 pic.twitter.com/NwIQMdJ21W
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 8, 2023
Welcome to Notre Dame, @caitlyn_early!
“Caitlyn is an infielder with great hands and a strong work ethic. She works hard on both sides of the ball to make her ready to compete at this level. We are happy to have her and her family join ours.” – @NDcoachGumpf #GoIrish☘️ #NSD23 pic.twitter.com/UYspCvauRv
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 9, 2023
.@RebeccaEckart24 is IRISH!
“Rebecca is a solid catcher with a big bat. Her game sense is what sets her apart from her peers. We are excited to have her behind the dish, and we are thrilled to have Rebecca and her family join our family!” – @NDcoachGumpf #GoIrish☘️ #NSD23 pic.twitter.com/tMqcgdIo3t
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 8, 2023
Welcome, @A_Houlihan2024!
“Avery is a middle infielder who hits from the left side. She brings a steadiness to both parts of her game which will make her successful at this level. We are excited to have Avery and her family join us!” – @NDcoachGumpf #GoIrish☘️ #NSD23 pic.twitter.com/AWpTy2lE7K
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 8, 2023
Welcome to Notre Dame, @CarolineOB27!!
“Caroline is a true utility player who knows how to win championships. She is the kind of player and teammate every team needs. We are thrilled to have her and her family join us!” – @NDcoachGumpf #GoIrish☘️ #NSD23 pic.twitter.com/OnOP5y6PDp
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 8, 2023
.@BrianneWeiss06 is 𝐼𝑅𝐼𝒮𝐻
“How she handles a hitter, mentally and physically is rare. She can make the ball move at every level of the zone. She’s a special person, competitive and feisty. We’re excited to have her join our Irish family.” – @NDcoachGumpf #GoIrish☘️ #NSD23 pic.twitter.com/kBM88x26Xu
— Notre Dame Softball (@NDsoftball) November 9, 2023