I Committed: 2024 Extra Elite 100 Pitcher Brianne Weiss on Her Visit to Notre Dame… “The More I Explored, the More I Fell in Love”

In the recently completed 2024 Extra Elite 100, Brianne Weiss, the standout junior pitcher from Southern California who attends Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) High, was ranked as a Top 20 player overall.

In the write-up on Bri, who plays travel ball for Ken Briggs’ BSC Bengals, we noted that she “has one of the best change-ups in the country and, accompanied by wicked spins in the 61-to-64 mph range, she keeps most offenses baffled that she goes against.”

For her standout high school team, Brianne struck out 200 in 152 innings with a miniscule ERA of 0.83 and, for her Bengals travel team, her ERA for much of the summer was around a 1.00 playing against top competition.

Several Power 5 schools were following her, but a trip to Notre Dame’s campus in South Bend, Indiana, last weekend did the trick and led to her commitment to the Irish softball program.

Here, in Bri’s own words, is how she finalized her decision…

*****

When I was researching schools, the University of Notre Dame always stood out to me.

I knew their historic reputation for excellence in athletics, academics and community and I was confident that, if I went there, I would not only have the opportunity to compete at the highest level in softball, but that I would also receive a world-class education that would prepare me for success in whatever I decided to do after graduation.

I love their mantra, “4 for 40,” meaning four years at Notre Dame sets you up for the next 40 years of your life.

I also love that Notre Dame is a Catholic university and, since I have attended Catholic/Christian schools all of my life, it’s comforting to know that my faith can be a key component and part of my college experience.

On September 1st, I was very fortunate. I was contacted by so many amazing coaches from incredible schools and top softball programs that the choice became very difficult.

On paper, Notre Dame had everything I was looking for without having to sacrifice any of my priorities, but I had never been there, so I didn’t really know what to expect.

All I can say is the moment I stepped onto campus, I just knew. I felt it in the air… I felt it in my bones and the more I explored, the more I fell in love.

The grounds are beautiful and the atmosphere is joyful, spirited and welcoming—from Melissa Cook Stadium, the Basilica, the Grotto, Touchdown Jesus, the Football Stadium and Drummer’s Circle at midnight, I knew Notre Dame was like no other.

You can also feel the strong sense of community among students and players. Everyone is supportive and always willing to help however they can. The coaching staff… WOW!  They’re awesome!

They made me feel welcomed and right at home and, honestly, I felt like moving in that weekend!

Head Coach (Deanna) Gumpf is amazing—she is so gracious and kind and I feel truly blessed that she has faith in me to contribute to her program. She is also a competitor who wants to win so I know we are on the same page there!

Notre Dame truly has everything that I was looking for in a school and more. There is no doubt in my mind that it is where I belong.

I know that over the course of my time there that I will grow as a person spiritually, academically and athletically.

I’m so pumped!!!

Go Irish!

— Brianne Weiss