On any change in a recruiting philosophy …
“The ACC is the ‘Cadillac’ soccer conference in the U.S. I think we can recruit in any conference because Notre Dame has the brand and the reputation so we could recruit against anyone. I don’t think it’ll hurt our recruiting at all.”
Randy Waldrum – Women’s Soccer Head Coach
On joining the ACC …
"I'm extremely excited about the move to the ACC. It's obviously the most powerful conference in women's soccer, and now it only becomes that much more attractive. On top of that, you now have two of the most storied women's soccer powers in the country (Notre Dame and North Carolina) getting to play each other every year, which only adds to my excitement. I have to give (Notre Dame vice president/director of athletics) Jack Swarbrick and (University President) Father Jenkins huge kudos for pulling this off for Notre Dame and the ACC. I think it's a great marriage for all involved and I can't wait to get started."
Deanna Gumpf – Softball Head Coach
On joining the ACC …
“I am extremely excited about the ACC; it changes the whole dynamic for our team. If you look at the RPI, in the ACC, you’re looking at top 50, top 60 teams. I like that competition. It takes us to different weather, down south where we like to play, and it takes us to schools that are a lot like we are. I’m very excited about the competition, I’m excited about the opportunity, and I think a lot of great things are going to happen.”
On if recruiting philosophy will change …
“I don’t think it changes our recruiting philosophy, but it definitely opens some doors for kids down south who might have been afraid to leave the south. They don’t have to be anymore, because we are going to be down there so frequently that it’s not going to seem like such a long way to go. I am excited about that aspect.”
On the quality of competition in ACC softball …
“ACC softball is a great conference, really well known. We actually try to book ACC teams early in the year before we hit conference because we realize it helps us in the long run with our RPI. Now, we get to join the party, and it’s pretty exciting.”
On her team’s successful tenure in the BIG EAST and her memories of the conference …
“The BIG EAST has always been so good to us, being a coach and player in the BIG EAST. We definitely have good connections there, great relationships and lots of great coaches in the BIG EAST. I feel like the BIG EAST is really going somewhere in softball. Last year, I believe they had the most teams to qualify
for the NCAAs, so they are really starting to make some noise.”
Brian Barnes – Women’s Swimming Head Coach
On ACC swimming …
“It’s a strong conference for us particularly at the top, which is where we need to be looking. Many of the programs in the ACC are coached extremely well. We are excited to join a bigger conference and a deeper conference meet.”
On the BIG EAST …