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Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website

Softball Adds A Talented Group On National Signing Day

The University of Notre Dame softball team has announced the addition of six student-athletes who have signed an Athletic Aid Agreement and will join the program for the 2026 season.  

“As a class, these six student-athletes create a perfect combination to come in and contribute to the team immediately,” head coach Kris Ganeff, who is entering her first season in 2025, said. 

“They possess speed, power and high game IQ’s.  Off the field they have exactly what we are looking for with a Success Mindset, Winning Tradition, A+ Attitude and Effort.”

Molly Connor • 5-6 • R/R • P • Toledo, OH (Anthony Wayne) • Indiana Magic Gold Green

As a sophomore batted .414 with 18 RBI and added 70 strikeouts in 37 innings as Anthony Wayne made an appearance in the Division I state title game • ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2025 class by Extra Innings Softball. 

Ganeff on Conner – “Molly is a pitcher who can make hitters swing and miss with her dynamic movement. She has excellent presence in the circle and inspires her defense to make plays behind her. Molly is a pure athlete who can play all parts of the game well.  We can’t wait for Molly and her family to ‘Be Irish!’”

Lily Hagan • 5-8 • R/R • P/1B • Colts Neck, NJ (Red Bank Catholic) • Jersey Intensity 

Line Drive Media ranked her as the No. 29 player in the Hot 100 • pitched 110 innings for Red Bank Catholic in 2023-24 striking out 171 and posting a 1.02 ERA. 

Ganeff on Hagan – “Lily is a power pitcher who can dominate in the circle anytime she enters the game. She has a great command of her pitches and the strike zone. We are excited for what Lily can bring to the lineup not only as a pitcher but she can also hit for power offensively. Lily and her family were made to ‘Be Irish.’ 

Hayden Kyne • Catcher • 5-7 • R/R • Vacaville, CA (Vacaville) • Walling Lady Magic 

Recently ranked as the No. 4 catcher in the 2025 class by Line Drive Media • led her team with a .431 batting average, 1.803 OPS with 17 home runs and 51 stolen bases. 

Ganeff on Kyne – “Hayden is the complete package offensively and defensively.  As a catcher she knows how to command the field and create a source of calm. At the plate she is able to change the game with one swing. Hayden has been trained to be a champion. We are so excited for Hayden and her family to ‘Be Irish!’”

Keira Murphy • 5-8 • R/R • Infield • Farmingdale, NJ (Academy of Allied Health & Science) • Jersey Intensity 

Recently ranked as the No. 49 player in Line Drive Media’s Hot 100 • in 2022-23, batted .375 with seven extra-base hits and 10 RBI. 

Ganeff on Murphy – “‘Murph’ is all heart and soul. She is a player who works extremely hard to make sure she and her teammates are always taking steps towards success. Keira is a great player, from a great organization, who will outwork anyone.  We welcome the entire Murphy family to the Irish family.”

 

Jillian Torres • 5-9 • R/R • Outfield • Coto de Caza, CA (Santa Margarita) • BSC Bengals-Briggs

Hit .575 in 2023 with a 1.545 OPS and 20 extra-base hits • hit a game-tying two-run home run for Team Mexico at the TCS International Challenge. 

Ganeff on Torres – “Jillian is the player who walks into a room and can bring people together to accomplish greatness. She is such a great player on both sides of the game. We know Jillian will bring grit and determination to every single pitch. We are excited to welcome her to the Irish softball family.”

Ava Zachary • 5-8 • R/R • Infield • Mishawaka, IN (Penn) • Indiana Magic Gold

Led Penn in batting average as a freshman and sophomore and a member of the Kingsmen’s 2023 4A state title team • a first-team 4A all-state selection in 2024 after hitting .473 with 40 RBI with 20 extra base hits.   

Ganeff on Zachary – “Ava has always been a player who sets the standard. Her excellence bar is set very high and she is always working to take it up to the next level. She is the kind of player who can change a program. Ava is a hometown star from the area. It is very exciting to have a player of her caliber stay home and ‘Be Irish!’”

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