The University of Notre Dame is celebrating a remarkable athlete and leader as Brianne Weiss has been officially recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Fighting Irish softball team. In a ceremony filled with emotion, pride, and applause, Weiss was presented with a prestigious award that not only acknowledged her on-field dominance but also her leadership, sportsmanship, and academic commitment throughout the season. This honor cements her place among Notre Dame’s most respected student-athletes.
Weiss, a junior pitcher with a reputation for unshakable poise and relentless competitiveness, played a pivotal role in leading the Irish to one of their most successful seasons in recent memory. With a season ERA under 2.00, double-digit wins, and a career-high in strikeouts, her performance on the mound was consistently elite. Coaches, teammates, and fans often referred to her as the “heartbeat of the team,” a testament to her influence in the locker room and on the field.
Beyond her incredible stats, Weiss’s presence was equally felt in clutch moments. Whether it was shutting down top-ranked teams or rallying her squad during tight late-inning battles, she showed up when it mattered most. Her MVP award wasn’t just a reflection of talent — it was earned through grit, leadership, and an unrelenting work ethic. Head coach Deanna Gumpf praised Weiss as a “cornerstone of our program” and highlighted her resilience and drive.
Off the field, Weiss maintained an impressive academic record while balancing a demanding athletic schedule. Majoring in Biology with aspirations for medical school, she earned Academic All-ACC honors and was an advocate for mental wellness among student-athletes. Her commitment to excellence in the classroom and in the community made her a role model for younger teammates and fellow students alike.
The award, presented during the annual Notre Dame Athletics Banquet, drew standing ovations from teammates and coaches. University officials, including Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, emphasized the importance of student-athletes like Weiss who exemplify what it means to represent the Fighting Irish both in spirit and in action. “Brianne is the kind of leader every program dreams of,” Swarbrick said.
As she looks ahead to her senior season, expectations will be high — but so is the confidence in her continued excellence. With her MVP award now officially added to her list of accomplishments, Brianne Weiss has solidified her legacy at Notre Dame. For the Irish community and softball fans nationwide, she is more than just a standout athlete — she’s a symbol of commitment, class, and courage.
