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The Ultimate 2026 Notre Dame Softball Camp Guide: Dates, Costs, And How To Get Recruited By Coach Kris Ganeff

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The Notre Dame Softball Camp experience is a premier opportunity for aspiring collegiate athletes to train at the highest level, directly under the guidance of the Fighting Irish coaching staff and current players. As of late December 2025, the University of Notre Dame Athletics has released the most current schedule for their coveted winter and spring camps, providing a crucial window for high-level instruction and vital exposure.

The 2026 camp lineup, spearheaded by Head Coach Kris Ganeff, is specifically structured to offer position-specific, high-intensity training, focusing on the fundamental and advanced techniques that define the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) powerhouse program. This guide breaks down the essential information—from registration dates to the specific skills covered—to help you maximize your time on the historic Notre Dame campus.

The Notre Dame Softball Coaching Staff: Leadership and Vision

The quality of a softball camp is fundamentally tied to the expertise of its leadership, and the Notre Dame program is currently helmed by a staff with deep roots and a clear vision for success.

  • Head Coach: Kris Ganeff
  • Role: Ganeff was named the fourth Head Coach in Notre Dame Softball history on June 19, 2024, after serving a long tenure as an associate head coach.
  • Impact: A former Notre Dame Monogram winner, Coach Ganeff brings an intimate understanding of the program's culture and a focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes.
  • Camp Involvement: Coach Ganeff is actively involved in the camps, offering direct instruction and evaluation alongside her full coaching staff.

The camps are not just run by the full-time staff; they also feature hands-on instruction from current Notre Dame Fighting Irish softball players. This provides participants with unique insights into the daily life of a Division I athlete, the drills they use, and the mental approach required to compete in the ACC.

Upcoming Notre Dame Softball Camp Dates and Specialized Sessions for 2026

The Notre Dame Softball program structures its camps to address every facet of the game, from basic skills to elite, position-specific mastery. The most anticipated sessions for the beginning of 2026 are highly specialized and designed for serious players looking for a competitive edge.

1. Irish All Skills Camp

  • Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Focus: This is a comprehensive session covering various aspects of the game, making it an excellent all-around experience for players looking to sharpen multiple skills before the spring season. It typically includes fielding, hitting, and base-running fundamentals.
  • Intention: Provides a broad evaluation opportunity for the coaching staff to see a player's overall athleticism and game IQ.

2. Irish Elite Pitching & Catching Camp

  • Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Focus: A highly specialized session dedicated exclusively to the battery. Pitchers receive advanced instruction on spin, velocity, and pitch sequencing, while catchers focus on framing, blocking, and throwing mechanics.
  • Intention: Deep dives into the technical and strategic aspects of these key defensive positions, crucial for recruitment.

3. Building Your Offensive Camp (Hitting/Slapping)

  • Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 (following the P&C session)
  • Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Typical time slot for a specialized hitting clinic)
  • Focus: Concentrated instruction on hitting mechanics, power development, and the mental approach to plate appearances. It often includes specialized instruction for slappers and left-handed hitters.
  • Intention: To provide players with the tools and drills used by the Fighting Irish to develop a high-powered, ACC-ready offense.

4. Connect Chicago Prospect Camp

  • Date: February 16, 2026
  • Location: While listed under "Connect Chicago," Notre Dame is a featured institution, and the registration opens on the same date.
  • Intention: This type of event is a prime showcase for players in the 2027–2030 graduating classes, offering a platform for direct evaluation by the Notre Dame staff and other college coaches.

The Path to Recruitment: What Notre Dame Coaches Look For

Attending a Notre Dame Softball Camp is one of the most direct and effective ways to get evaluated by the coaching staff. It’s a chance to move beyond a highlight reel and showcase your skills in a live, instructional environment. The staff is looking for a specific blend of athletic talent, mental toughness, and academic commitment.

Academic and Athletic Excellence

Notre Dame is one of the top academic institutions in the country, and the softball program adheres to the same high standards. Coaches evaluate not just your performance on the field but also your demeanor, work ethic, and ability to process and apply instruction. This demonstrates the "student" in "student-athlete."

Topical Authority: The Prospect Camp Advantage

Prospect and Elite Skills camps are essential for players with serious Division I aspirations. These camps are specifically designed to simulate a collegiate practice environment. The coaches are looking for:

  • Position-Specific Mastery: Can a pitcher command three pitches? Can a catcher manage a pitching staff and block in the dirt? Can an infielder make the backhand play consistently?
  • Game IQ: Do you understand situational softball? Can you make the right read on a base hit or a fly ball?
  • Coachability: Do you take instruction immediately and apply it? The staff wants to see a player who can make adjustments on the fly.
  • Mental Toughness: How do you respond to an error or a strikeout? The ability to bounce back quickly is a hallmark of an elite competitor.

Key Entities and Skills Evaluated

The coaching staff evaluates a wide range of softball entities during the camps, focusing on high-level execution:

  • Pitching: Spin Rate, Velocity, Command, Change-up effectiveness, Pitch Sequencing.
  • Catching: Blocking, Framing, Pop Time, Leadership, Throwing Accuracy.
  • Hitting: Exit Velocity, Bat Control, Situational Hitting, Two-Strike Approach, Power vs. Contact.
  • Defense: Footwork, Glovework, Arm Strength, Range, Throwing Accuracy, Transfer Speed.
  • Base Running: Aggressiveness, Leads, Slide Technique, Reading the Pitcher.

Registration Details and Practical Advice

Registration for the Notre Dame Softball Camps is handled through the official athletics website, often powered by a third-party camp management service. Due to the program's prestige, spots fill up quickly, especially for the specialized Elite Pitching & Catching and Prospect sessions.

Essential Registration Steps

  1. Check the Official Site: Always confirm the latest dates, times, and costs directly on the official Notre Dame Fighting Irish Athletics site.
  2. Register Early: Given the January 2026 dates, registration should be completed immediately upon release to secure a spot. The most competitive camps often sell out weeks in advance.
  3. Complete Waivers: Ensure all necessary medical and liability waivers are completed and submitted electronically before the camp date.
  4. Prepare for the Weather: Camps in January and February are typically held indoors at Notre Dame's state-of-the-art facilities, but outdoor prospect camps in the summer will require different preparation.

What to Bring to Camp

To ensure a successful and productive experience, players should come fully prepared:

  • Softball Glove
  • Bat and Batting Helmet
  • Catching Gear (if applicable)
  • Cleats (for outdoor use) and Sneakers/Turf Shoes (for indoor use)
  • Water Bottle (hydration is key)
  • Academic Profile/Unofficial Transcript (for Prospect Camp attendees)
  • Positive Attitude and High Energy

The Notre Dame Softball Camp series provides an unparalleled training environment, offering a glimpse into the life of a Division I athlete and a direct line of sight to the Fighting Irish coaching staff. By attending the specialized 2026 sessions, players can significantly enhance their skills and position themselves favorably in the competitive world of college softball recruitment.

The Ultimate 2026 Notre Dame Softball Camp Guide: Dates, Costs, and How to Get Recruited by Coach Kris Ganeff
notre dame softball camp
notre dame softball camp

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