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Softball Adds Six On National Signing DaySoftball Adds Six On National Signing Day
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Kris Ganeff

Softball Adds Six On National Signing Day

Featured in this article
SB2526-PROD
Kris Ganeff

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame softball team has added six student-athletes who have signed an Athletic Aid Agreement and will join the program for the 2028 season, head coach Kris Ganeff announced today.

The class, which is ranked the 43rd-best in the country by Softball America and 46th by D1 Softball, features players from Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina and Washington. The talented group consists of All-State players, MVPs, state champions and highly touted recruiting rankings.

Shaelyn Erickson • P/OF • Issaquah, WA (Issaquah HS) • Indiana Magic Gold

  • IDT Colorado All Star Games in 2024
  • Named a top 5 prospect to watch in Washington state
  • 2024 KingCo Pitcher of the Year
  • 2026 & 2024 Team Defensive Player of the Year
  • Played in the Little League Softball World Series in 2022
  • Also lettered in volleyball for two seasons

Ganeff on Erickson – “Shaelyn is a great competitor who can get it done in the circle and at the plate. We expect Shae to play both sides of the ball because of her athleticism. She is going to make a huge impact on the battery. We are so excited for Shaelyn to Be Irish!”

Faith Maleski • INF/OF • St. Joseph, MI (St. Charles North HS) • Illinois Chill Gold

  • Helped lead St. Charles North to an IHSA state title in 2024

Ganeff on Maleski – “Faith has been a player we had known for a long time. We knew we wanted her on our team. Faith is a competitor who can play defense wherever she is needed and possesses a powerful bat. We are so excited for Faith to Be Irish.”

Maddie McDermott • INF/OF • Charlotte, NC (Providence Day School) • Team NC Hinde

  • Two-time team captain
  • Two-time First Team All Conference
  • Four-time Scholar Athlete
  • Two-time All-American Game finalist
  • Also lettered in cross country and flag football

Ganeff on McDermott – “I have loved Maddie since I first saw her play! Maddie can play multiple positions and offensively brings a powerful bat to the line-up.  She is a spark plug who will contribute to this team in a lot of ways. We are so excited for Maddie to Be Irish!”

Layla Peters • INF • Evergreen Park, IL (Marist HS) • Beverly Bandits

  • Three-time All-Conference selection
  • 2026 PGF National Champions
  • Also lettered in basketball

Ganeff on Peters – “Layla is such a dynamic player who knows how to win. She has National Championship experience from her summer travel team. Layla swings a powerful bat and can hold it down on the hot corner. We are so excited for Layla to Be Irish!”

Ava Stevens • OF • Miami, FL (Somerset Academy Charter HS) • Miami Stingrays Gold Gator

  • Team MVP
  • 2023 Miami-Dade Player of the Year
  • Three-time Miami-Dade Pitcher of the Year
  • Six-time Miami-Dade First Team 
  • 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Top Batting Average in the Nation (.724)
  • Triple Crown FL Showcase - Offensive Player of the Tournament
  • Colorado Power Pool Future Stars selection
  • Show Me the Money- Top Offensive Player
  • Set high school record for most hits, and most career strikeouts at Somerset Academy Charter
  • Also lettered in volleyball and soccer

Ganeff on Stevens – “Ava is such a dynamic athlete who possesses so many tools that make her so competitive for this level.  She has speed, she can cover ground in the outfield, has the ability to pitch, and an awesome bat.  We are so excited for Ava to Be Irish.”

Payton Tamborra • P • Marietta, GA (North Cobb Christian School) • Athletics Gold-Tamborra

  • Three-time First Team All-Region selection
  • Three-time NCCS Pitcher of the Year
  • 2025 All-State selection
  • Set NCCS records for strikeouts, wins and ERA
  • Led NCCS to undefeated region champions and GHSA State Final Four
  • Five-time national championships with Athletics Gold-Tamborra
  • Also lettered in basketball

Ganeff on Tamborra – “Payton is an athlete. Payton can hit the ball over the fence, pitch tons of strikes in the circle, and play another position when needed. We expect Payton to come in and make an impact. We are so excited for Payton to Be Irish!”