Print Edition for The Observer for Friday, August 18, 2023

The independent

To uncover

newspaper serving

the truth

Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s

and report

and holy cross

it accurately

Volume 58, Issue 1 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

CHRISTINA SAYUT | The Observer

SMC welcomes largest class in recent history Saint Mary’s will welcome one of the largest classes of first-years in recent history with the class of 2027. This year the College will see an 8% increase from last year in the number of students in the first-year class, according to Sarah Gallagher Dvorak, dean of enrollment management and marketing.

“I could probably point to a few things that helped to positively impact enrollment this year, but three were likely more significant than others,” Dvorak said when asked what she thought caused the increase in enrollment.

“First, we expanded our partnerships with community-based organizations and ramped up recruitment in a number of markets across the country,” Dvorak said. “Second, Saint Mary’s is expanding our accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree opportunities both at the College and in partnership with Notre Dame, some of which offer direct entry right out of high school. These are incredibly attractive to prospective students. Finally, we made some tweaks in our financial packages for students including additional funding opportunities and free books for incoming first years.”

The Observer asked Dvorak

NEWS PAGE 3

VIEWPOINT PAGE 7

By MEGHAN LANGE Saint Mary’s News Editor

about her outlook for the class of 2027.

“We are incredibly excited about the Class of 2027 as it’s one of the biggest, most diverse and academically talented classes we’ve had in recent history,” she said.

The class of 2027 boasts a grade point average of 3.88 on average and 26% of students are from underrepresented backgrounds or are people of color, which is a 4% increase from last year’s first-year class.

“We saw big increases across the board this year and more students applying than ever before,” Dvorak said. “This see SAINT MARY’S PAGE 3

SCENE PAGE 13

ND enrolls most diverse class ever

By KATHRYN MUCHNICK Associate News Editor

About 2,060 first-year students will arrive on campus this weekend, beginning their time at Notre Dame with Welcome Weekend festivities. The class of 2027, compiled from a pool of 28,354 applicants, was the most selective and most diverse class in Notre Dame history.

The 2023 admissions rate was 11.9%, down from 12.9% in 2022 and 15% in 2021. Micki Kidder, vice president for undergraduate enrollment, said this matches trends from peer institutions.

Fall Preview PAGE 12

“What’s impressive yet admittedly difficult for our team is that 75% to 80% of this applicant pool is academically prepared for Notre Dame.

That has been the case for a while and definitely continued to be the case with this applicant pool,” Kidder said.

The challenge, then, is to invite a class that demonstrates an authentic commitment to service and desire for a Notre Dame education, Kidder said.

Kidder said her team looks to compile “a really vibrant, talented, other-centered group of scholars with a consistent commitment to the mission, see NOTRE DAME PAGE 4

Football PAGE 16

2

NEWS

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

Transfer students arrive at ND ndsmcobserver.com P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Editor-in-Chief Maggie Eastland Managing Editor Ryan Peters Asst. Managing Editor: Gabrielle Beechert Asst. Managing Editor: Hannah Hebda Asst. Managing Editor: José Sánchez Córdova Notre Dame News Editor: Saint Mary’s News Editor: Viewpoint Editor: Sports Editor: Scene Editor: Photo Editor: Graphics Editor: Social Media Editor: Ad Design Manager: Systems Administrator:

Peter Breen Meghan Lange Claire Lyons Andrew McGuinness Anna Falk Sofia CrimiVaroli Christina Sayut Emma Duffy Christina Sayut Jack MapelLentz

Office Manager & General Info

Ph: (574) 631-7471 Fax: (574) 631-6927 Advertising

(574) 631-6900 advertising@ndsmcobserver.com Editor-in-Chief

(574) 631-4542 meastlan@nd.edu Managing Editor

(574) 631-4542 rpeters5@nd.edu Assistant Managing Editors

(574) 631-4541 gbeecher@nd.edu, hhebda@nd.edu, jsanch24@nd.edu Business Office

(574) 631-5313 Notre Dame News Desk

(574) 631-5323 news@ndsmcobserver.com Saint Mary’s News Desk

(574) 631-5323 smcnews@ndsmcobserver.com Viewpoint Desk

(574) 631-5303 viewpoint@ndsmcobserver.om Sports Desk

(574) 631-4543 sports@ndsmcobserver.com Scene Desk

(574) 631-4540 scene@ndsmcobserver.com Photo Desk

(574) 631-8767 photo@ndsmcobserver.com Systems & Web Administrators

webmaster@ndsmcobserver.com Policies The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper published in print and online by the students of the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is not governed by policies of the administration of any institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse advertisements based on content.

The news is reported as accurately and objectively as possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Assistant Managing Editors and department editors.

Commentaries, letters and columns present the views of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Viewpoint space is available to all readers. The free expression of all opinions through letters is encouraged.

Letters to the Editor must be signed and must include contact information.

Questions regarding Observer policies should be directed to Editor-in-Chief Maggie Eastland.

By LIAM KELLY Associate News Editor

The class of 2027 comes to campus Friday morning, but another group has already made Notre Dame their home.

On Thursday, 195 transfer students arrived in South Bend.

The group is a diverse one, consisting of 73 students making their way across the street after one or two years at Holy Cross as a part of the Gateway program, as well as 122 students hailing from other colleges and universities across the country.

Mirella Riley, director of transfer enrollment at the University, explained Notre Dame looks for similar attributes in its transfer students as it does in its freshmen.

“Without exception these are exceptional students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and character attributes just like our first-year incoming students,” Riley explained. “It’s very similar.”

A key benefit of enrollilng transfer students is their ability to bring different perspectives and experiences to the community, Riley said.

“They’re coming to Notre Dame having maybe worn a different lens and bringing contributions … and skills that they have developed or acquired at other places,” she said. “I feel like that only adds to the vibrancy of our overall campus community here.”

Riley said she was not aware of the exact acceptance rate for transfer students. She explained the number is skewed

The Observer (USPS 599 2-4000) is published Monday through Friday except during exam and vacation periods.

A subscription to The Observer is $130 for one academic year; $75 for one semester.

The Observer is published at: 024 South Dining Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 Periodical postage paid at Notre Dame and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER Send address corrections to: The Observer P.O. Box 779 024 South Dining hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-077

Today’s Staff News

Sports

Meghan Lange Peter Breen

Madeline Ladd Andrew McGuinness

Graphics

Scene

Christina Sayut

Anna Falk

Photo

Viewpoint

Sofia CrimiVaroli

Claire Lyons

Corrections The Observer regards itself as a professional publication and strives for the highest standards of journalism at all times. We do, however, recognize that we will make mistakes. If we have made a mistake, please contact us at editor@ndsmcobserver.com so we can correct our error.

have already begun making friends within that community,” he explained.

Gateway students expressed their excitement to move over to Notre Dame.

Sophomore Matt Baldwin said he “couldn’t be more excited to spend the next three across the street with the 10.0 cohort.”

“After a year of Gateway, I am excited to live and work among students in my major,” sophomore Carson Goldrick added.

Residence halls will have programming for new students on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights to introduce them to the University and their new home on campus, according to the Welcome Weekend website.

After moving into their dorms in the morning, students and their families will take part in a welcome dinner and reception in Dahnke Ballroom specifically for transfer students and hear from University administrators about the resources available for them. The next evening, transfer students will join freshmen in attending the official University welcome in the Joyce Center where University President Fr. John Jenkins will address the students.

“Having that opportunity to kind of move in and get settled and do some of these dedicated events, I think is important and it’s helpful, I hope, to students in terms of orienting them to Notre Dame but in particular, the University’s leadership and our faculty and staff while they’re here,” Riley said about the events.

Saturday afternoon, students will be able to attend an academic open house where they can speak with faculty and students from all of the undergraduate colleges. Riley praised the programming for helping students “be set up for success right from the get go.”

Maldonado said the Gateway Program itself, in which students take two courses a semester at Notre Dame, is designed to create a smooth academic transition for students.

“In terms of academics, I think that it’s hopefully relatively seamless as well because … the advisors over at Holy Cross are prepping them for whatever college or whatever pathway they want to go down, whether it’s Mendoza, or the College of Science, whether it’s Arts and Letters, pre-health, architecture, wherever within the University that students might transfer into all their courses are helping them to prepare for that,” he said.

Students will attend orientation events such as the Student Services Resource Fair Saturday and the Building Community the Notre Dame Way event Sunday, as well as social events such as DomerFest — a carnival-like event held at Duncan Student Center every year.

After a busy weekend students will conclude their introduction to Notre Dame by attending a peaceful mass at the Grotto on Sunday night.

Contact Liam Kelly at lkelly8@nd.edu

SMC hosts second Convocation

By KATELYN WALDSCHMIDT Associate News Editor

Post Office Information

by students in the Gateway Program who are guaranteed acceptance as long as they maintain a 3.5 grade point average and are in good disciplinary standing.

“That Gateway program is one that has been a strong one for us, that helps students … acclimate earlier to the University, and … know that it’s their intention to go here when they’re even going through that firstyear experience at Holy Cross,” she added.

Most transfer students’ packed Welcome Weekend schedule begins as they move into their dorms Thursday morning. Housing is now guaranteed for students in the Gateway program. However, it is not guaranteed for other transfer students.

At the same time, Riley emphasized most transfer students are able to live on campus and are encouraged to do so.

“We do encourage those types of students to consider that option given the strong culture of residential life that exists here,” she said.

Juan Maldonado, an academic advisor for the Gateway Program noted Gateway students usually find the social transition to living on campus relatively easy.

“In terms of socially, I know because a lot of Gateway students are already involved with clubs around Notre Dame, that aspect is relatively seamless because when students are involved in freshman year, they continue on and sophomore, junior (and) senior year so they

Saint Mar y’s will hold its second annual Convocation ceremony to welcome new students Sunday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mona Bowe, executive director of the office of retention strategies, explained the purpose of the recently created ceremony.

“It is an opportunity for our new students to be welcomed into the community by returning students,” Bowe said. “It is held on Sunday because then all of our new students have been here for three or four days and a lot of our returning students are already on campus to start classes on Monday.”

She also discussed the reason the College began this tradition last year.

“There are a number of women’s colleges around

the countr y that have similar ceremonies where your ‘upperclasswomen’ are welcoming the brand new students and we haven’t done that at Saint Mar y’s before,” Bowe said. “We do it in small ways. So you might have the athletes do that, you might have the choir do that, you might have people within a department or a residence hall. But we didn’t have one place where it was college wide.”

Bowe said she believes Convocation is the perfect way to make new students feel welcome and to help them feel at home away from home.

“I think any of us can think back and put ourselves into what it was like to be at college for the first three days. It is over whelming. It is a big change.

“It is the first time they’re leaving home for a long period of time. It’s

uncertainty and excitement and new things and to have the returning students sit in the audience and cheer you in as your walking across the stage. I think it helps with a sense of belonging. It helps with a sense of welcoming them to our family,” she said.

Chris Dunlap, a chemistr y professor, is the College Marshal this year. “(I’m) the person who’s in charge of making sure faculty and students go where they’re supposed to when we’re dressed in cap and gown,” Dunlap said.

“But because this is sort of a ceremony of the College, I got pulled in, so I helped plan last year and this year. I will be in charge of organizing the first-year students.”

During Convocation, all first-year and new transfer students walk across the stage, while returning students and faculty sitting in the audience cheer

them on. Last year, during the first Convocation, Dunlap was also in charge of organizing the firstyears and said that they weren’t too sure what was happening.

“I’m not entirely sure they know what’s coming.

We give them their pins, they get some beads and then we say ‘Okay, off you go!’” Dunlap said.

Beyond new students, Dunlap also discussed why returning students should engage in Convocation.

“There is a couple things. They get to see one of their own win the St. Catherine’s medal. They get to see the faculty, who many of them have had, win these big awards,” Dunlap said. “And then it’s also important because it helps start to build that community between returning students see CEREMONY PAGE 4

News

ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | The Observer

3

Notre Dame hosts Welcome Week for students

By KELSEY QUINT News Writer

Campus comes to life again this Friday, Aug. 18. The class of 2027 will settle into their new home under the dome with the beginning of the annual Welcome Weekend.

As the suitcases and IKEA bags roll in, the class of 2027 will make their first encounters with residential staff, faculty and one another.

Welcome Weekend showcases an array of campus resources — academic, spiritual and social alike.

One of the annual events, First Lecture Series, provides a unique opportunity for students to choose their own programming — attending a lecture about their life-long passion, or perhaps, exploring a new one. Andrew Whittington, director of first-year programs, explains that there is a new networking component to the “First Lecture Series” tradition.

“This year, students can opt into connecting with other students who registered for the same First Lecture by joining a First Lecture GroupMe interest group,” Whittington said. “A GroupMe is only a small tool, I know. But it can

Saint Mary’s Continued from page 1

speaks to the strong national reputation of Saint Mary’s and makes me feel even more confident in our continued success.”

Dvorak spoke about the importance the College places on diversity in its student body.

“Students of color make up 26% of the class of 2027 and 28% are first generation,” she said.

“We recognize the importance

be used by students to introduce themselves, ask a question about the First Lecture and perhaps even invite some new classmates to join for a meal in the dining hall.”

Whittington explained this is an example of precisely what makes Notre Dame distinct: community.

“The fact that we bring together the entire first-year cohort of 2000-plus students simultaneously for a singular welcome experience is distinct. Not only do we all share ‘one Welcome Weekend’ as opposed to several disconnected ‘summer orientations,’ but we gather together as a class cohort routinely for lectures, celebrations and prayer,” Whittington said.

He explained that this is one of many building blocks which create the indescribable “Notre Dame experience.”

“It is most definitely a part of what makes Notre Dame special and speaks to our distinct way of teaching and learning,” Whittington said. “We believe education takes place in genuine and meaningful communion with others.”

A ‘Notre Dame experience’: How to take part in Welcome Weekend

Whittington said Welcome Weekend is not so much about creating belonging or inviting students to join the community, but rather it is about helping them realize they are already a part of it.

“One aim is to make known the reality that all new students are active and contributing members of this scholarly community immediately upon their arrival,” Whittington explained.

Emily Orsini, program director for new student engagement and formation at the Division of Student Affairs, explained this year’s Welcome Weekend places emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as health and wellness initiatives.

“We host the ‘You Belong Here: Welcoming All Backgrounds and Identities to Notre Dame’ program. This event is intended to fully and distinctly welcome incoming families of underrepresented backgrounds to the community at Notre Dame to allow space for these families and students to meet one another and hear about what it means to join the Notre Dame community,” Orsini said.

In between lectures, socials and last-minute trips to

Target, the class of 2027 is encouraged to take a breath during the “Rest and Ref lection Time.”

“During this time, students are encouraged to take a step back and take a muchdeserved break from the busy weekend,” Orsini said. “This could include taking a nap, going for a walk with a friend, journaling, praying or engaging in other practices of restoration and ref lection.”

As plans for Welcome Weekend come to fruition, both Whittington and Orsini expressed gratitude for their role in forming the first few Notre Dame experiences for the class of 2027 and their families.

“As far as my role goes, I’m in the business of communicating those first truths that each new student belongs here, can grow here and can do good here. And it is such a privilege to do so,” Whittington said.

He advised new students to take it all in with patience.

“I think it is important to remember that Welcome Weekend is the gateway, an entry point, a beginning. It is rare that a new student has all questions answered or has a complete sense of belonging

after the first 72 hours,” Whittington said. “It isn’t possible to pack all of what makes Notre Dame such a transforming experience into one weekend. I mean, how limited and disappointing would the Notre Dame experience be if it could be so easily summed up?”

Orsini offered a glimpse into her own inspiration for her work in planning a Welcome Weekend that radiates “radical hospitality.”

“One person I find a lot of inspiration from is St. Andre Bessette. St. Andre was a brother who served as a doorkeeper in Montreal who was known for his radical hospitality, his ministry to all those he encountered and his desire to meet their needs,” Orsini said. “St. Andre met everyone he encountered where they were at any given moment.

He made them feel truly loved and valued, and he provided a sense of personal dignity, inviting them into a deeper relationship with God, with others and with themselves so that they might become the person that they were created to be.”

of bringing together women from different nations, cultures and races in helping our students grow and become the best versions of themselves.”

Dvorak referenced the seven different countries that are represented in the class of 2027. Official international students come from the countries of Brazil, China, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nigeria and Ukraine.

The first-year class also has students from 31 of the 50 states.

“We continue to expand the work we do through our Division for Inclusion and Equity, which was founded to ‘educate and empower the Saint Mary’s community through collaboration and resources to create a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all constituents and to cultivate a culture of academic and institutional excellence,’” Dvorak said. “We have also expanded partnerships with a number of community-based

organizations in markets, including but not limited to, Chicago and Houston. Through these relationships, we’re able to more adequately serve families and provide greater access to a Saint Mary’s education for their students.”

Saint Mary’s saw an increase in their first-year applications, according to Dvorak.

“The total number of applications between first-year and transfer (students) is 2,475,

which is a 7% increase in total applications for the fall of 2023,” she said.

Of the 2,375 first-year applications, 160 applied as Early Decision, meaning if admitted the student must enroll.

Saint Mary’s saw an overall 2% increase in first-generation college students from the class of 2026. Additionally, 29% of the class of 2027 have a legacy connection, meaning at least one of their close family members attended the College.

The class of 2027 is also diverse in their personal interests.

Within the class of 2027, there is a four-time world champion in equestrian riding, an international gold medal-winning Irish dancer and even a student who is working to publish her first book.

Additionally, 71% of the new class were athletes and 28% of those athletes were captains of their respective sports teams.

About 57% of the class held positions of leadership in high school and 22% were officers in student government.

Dvorak spoke about her hopes for the incoming class and transfer students.

“As they transition into life at Saint Mary’s, I wish for all our new students to be open to new friendships, new experiences and new opportunities to expand their horizons and grow into successful, intelligent and compassionate young adults.”

Paid Advertisement

Contact Kelsey Quint at kquint@nd.edu

Contact Meghan Lange at mlange03@saintmarys.edu

4

NEWS

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

Notre Dame Continued from page 1

which is hard to articulate in a number.”

Kidder cited data published by the Common App, illustrating that the number of applications per applicant has increased over the past few years. The Common App found that in 2013-14, just 0.4% of applicants applied to the maximum of 20 schools, and 7% applied to over 10 schools.

In 2021-22, 1.8% of applicants applied to 20 schools, and 17% applied to over 10 schools.

Notre Dame has witnessed a similarly growing applicant pool in recent years.

“In many ways that ref lects, I think, the impressive academic rigor, undergraduate research and the inclusive community that our students experience here,” Kidder said.

“So that’s, in some ways, an indicator of success.”

Of the roughly 3,500 admitted students, 60% enrolled at Notre Dame.

The class of 2027 is also the most diverse class in Notre Dame history — 20.5% of the class is first generation or Pell recipients, 34% of the class identifies as students of color and 8% of the class is international.

“We have record percentages

of lower-income students, students of color and international students, and I think this is really important as we seek to fulfill Notre Dame’s mission,” Kidder said. “I view it as really essential to our student body that it ref lects the vibrancy of the global Catholic community and that this Admissions Office works really hard on outreach and recruitment efforts in order to achieve that vibrancy and diversity.”

The class of 2027 was admitted before affirmative action was overturned by the Supreme Court in June.

In response to the ruling, University President Fr. John Jenkins said in a statement the University “will study the Supreme Court’s decision and consider any implications for our admissions process as we strive to fulfill our distinctive mission.”

This year, the recruitment strategy already in place will be “amplified,” according to Kidder. She highlighted purposeful relationships with prospective students.

“This isn’t a one-time outreach that Notre Dame makes to a diverse group of prospective families and assumes that they’re going to apply to Notre Dame,” Kidder said. “We really need to authentically invest in relationships so that

we can continue to increase the diversity of our applicant pool.”

The University is in its third year of a test-optional admissions process, which began during the pandemic. About 37% of the class of 2027 applied without a test score, up 4% from the previous year.

Though the test-optional practice has been extended in the short term — through the 2025 application year — it is unclear whether that policy will extend long term.

“After only being test optional for a couple of years, I don’t think we have sufficient information to make the long-term policy decision,” Kidder said.

Kidder emphasized her excitement for Welcome Weekend and the arrival of the class of 2027.

“I love Welcome Weekend.

I think we welcome students to this family better than any university in the world,” she said. “After reading the materials of these students, they are incredibly impressive, wonderfully kind human beings. And I’m very excited to welcome them home.”

Contact Kathryn Muchnick at kmuchnic@nd.edu

Ceremony Continued from page 2

and first-years.”

Bowe added that returning students should check in to receive their class pin.

“Each class receives a different pin. And then at one point, Dr. Conboy will ask the new students to get up and turn around and they will face a returning student. Then they will exchange pins and will pin that on you. So as a returning student, you are truly welcoming a new student by pinning them,” she said.

“So starting with the class of (2022), when they graduate, they will have four pins as long as they come to Convocation ever y year. They have a pin for ever y year and it will be one of the things they can wear on their gown for commencement.”

A long with cheering in new students, there is also a series of awards that are handed out. Dunlap explained “we are also using this to celebrate a couple faculty who are awarded the College’s highest awards.”

“The highest award in teaching is the Maria Pieta Award, and in ser vice, is the Spes Unica Award,” he

said. “We also give the St. Catherine’s Medal, which is an award to a student who exemplifies the best of Saint Mar y’s, especially in the mission area.”

Despite these prestigious awards being handed out, Dunlap stressed that it isn’t a formal event.

“People think of a ceremony as formal, but we don’t even have a program. I think the president talks for a little bit and we have the faculty member who won the Maria Pieta Award talk. It’s Jennifer Juszkiewicz from the Writing Center. Her talk is going to be awesome,” Dunlap said.

He added that the ceremony is brief before students head off to Belle’s Bash to “have more fun before they have to do some real work.”

“If you’re a returning student, and you want to get a T-shirt at Belle’s Bash, you need to come to Convocation,” Bowe said.

“Your ticket for a shirt will be your pin.”

The ceremony with be held in O’Laughlin Auditorium.

A ll returning students are asked to wear white shirts and all first-years to wear blue.

Contact Katelyn Waldschmidt at kwaldschmidt01@saintmarys.edu

Paid Advertisement

Politics & International Affairs • Economics • Humanities

There’s something for everyone in Arts & Letters.

Learn how you can transform your intellectual curiosity into limitless potential at the all-new al.nd.edu.

Global Languages & Cultures • The Arts • Social Sciences

• Faith & Reason • Interdisciplinary Majors & Minors • Science, Technology & Digital Studies •

Paid Advertisement

6

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

Inside Column

The writing on the wall: A letter to a freshman Maggie Eastland Editor-in-Chief

Welcome to the pages of The Obser ver, and welcome to the tri-campus. We’re so glad you’re here.

W hen I think about move-in, I imagine freshmen unpacking their things. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but many of those posters, t w ink ling lights and cheekily worded f lags are about to fall off the stick y South Bend summer walls, over and over again.

During my first week on campus, I made one of my best friends by asking her about the Pinterest collage on the wall. One of the photos was a woman w ith dark hair in a long white dress, running through a f lower petal lane. Another featured a yellow “cool bus” w ith a sneak y missing “s.”

My ow n first-year decor was nothing to w rite home about. But one meditative day during my sophomore year, I spent a few hours collecting free posters and slips of paper, any thing that I’d call art: a well-designed coaster, a ticket stub, a poem inside a campus publication, a photo of the Michigan lilacs, a forgotten stick y note.

It’s a habit I picked up from a summer roommate on Mackinac Island. But it’s not new. I’ve always liked to treasure things.

W hen I look at my cancerous collage now, my eyes brim w ith a glinting kaleidoscope of memor y. I’ve diagnosed myself: I’m a walking sy mbolism machine.

I see my good friend, newspaper mentor and former Dallas summer roommate. She’s in the soda can sticker that says “It’s called pop.”

I see another friend and Obser ver editor, now abroad. He’s the gradient oval that screams “HISTORY IS FRE AKING COOL. -LIZZO.” I see one of the ver y first friends I met at Notre Dame in the rainbow watercolor paper she once gave me. Another hides in the Florida postcard.

I see my mom. She’s the photo cut from the prayer book she gave me before my ow n college move-in.

I see a little girl who held onto her 2017 Notre Dame football ticket, hoping she could one day attend. (That was back when this Universit y still had paper tickets.)

Cut w ith yearning hands, I see ever y newspaper masthead I ever wanted to w rite for.

A little antique “Letter Carrier” badge graces the behemoth’s top left corner. That’s the one that always falls dow n. I pick it up, again and again. It torments me, reminding me of what I love to do. And I just keep w riting letters to the world. “The world never w rote me,” as Emily Dickinson would say. I think that’s my next addition, a page from her poetr y book.

A smattering of pressed f lowers makes me smile too, although they remind me that some beautiful things don’t last forever. The faded memor y contains a wonder all its ow n.

Right now, I see all of you too — students on the tri-campus and especially the Class of 2027.

You’re hidden away on a cardboard rectangle w ith black-ink t y pe set, a quote from Jack London that reads: “I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should be stif led by dr y rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, ever y atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to ex ist.”

I’m no philosophy major, and I couldn’t tell you the precise difference bet ween liv ing and ex isting. Still, I see each one of the first-year students in these words. It’s the best adv ice I can offer.

These w ill be some of the shortest and fullest four years of your life. There’s going to be a lot of things to tape to your wall.

Will you be ashes or dust?

W hatever you’re passionate about, don’t shy away from the fire.

Want to know the real w riting on the wall? The truth that takes more courage to read?

During your time here, you w ill be scared. You w ill be lonely. You w ill be angr y. You might learn — if you haven’t already — that caring deeply means you get hurt. Never apologize for those things that set your heart alight. They are your greatest strength.

Enroll in the club. Send the letter. Call your grandpa. Talk to your dorm custodian. Start the petition. Sign up for the retreat. Belly laugh.

Go to office hours w ith the professor you admire. Be the friend that suggests dining hall soft ser ve, w ith sprink les. Take the challenging class.

Learn how to box. Slay the Jabber wock y. Join the newspaper!

I can’t promise you it w ill be easy. It’s worth it.

Even as a senior, I admit I’m still figuring it out.

Even working a job I’ve always wanted, I’m still just learning how to sw im.

But that’s addressed by another stick y note on the wall, the one that says: Flowers duck-taped to my wall like me and you. Yeah, life is far from perfect, but I think it’s better to display the gray strip holding it all together. Flowers are prett y, but let’s not pretend we can beat grav it y.

Unironically, the stick y note also includes a crossed-out line, a failed attempt at w riting it.

I promise that no one has it all together. I certainly don’t.

We’re learning. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

Grow ing pains are worth it. A little longing is good for body and soul.

Welcome to the tri-campus. If you’re worried about making friends, just ask your section mates about their wall decor. It worked for me.

And if you want your ow n Obser ver byline to hang on the wall, check out the South Dining Hall basement. Send me a carrier pigeon (or an email) any time. I’ll w rite you back.

Contact Maggie at meastlan@nd.edu.

The views expressed in this Inside column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

7

LetterS to the editor

Welcome home Dea r st udent s, I ex tend a w a r m welcome to each of you.

W het her you a re a r r iv i ng on c a mpu s for t he f i r st t i me or ret u r n i ng a f ter a su m mer aw ay, we a re ver y g lad you a re here.

Not re Da me’s m i ssion i s d i st i nc t ive. We offer a n u nder g r aduate educ at ion t hat i s second to none, com m it ted to educ at i ng t he w hole per son. We c u lt iv ate schola rly excel lence a nd adv a nce hu ma n u nder st a nd i ng t h roug h top-t ier resea rch a nd post-bacc a lau reate prog ra m s. I n a l l t hat we do, we en su re t hat Not re Da me’s Cat hol ic ident it y i n for m s ou r ef for t s.

A s you k now, t he Un iver sit y ha s a r ich h i stor y. G ener at ion s of Not re Da me g raduates have been shaped by t hei r ex per iences here, a nd t he y, i n t u r n, have lef t t hei r ma rk on t he

Un iver sit y. We i nv ite you to do t he sa me. You a re now pa r t of Not re Da me’s present, a s wel l a s it s f ut u re. I nd iv idua l ly a nd col lec t ively, you have t remendou s t a lent s a nd g i f t s to sha re.

At a t i me w hen t he world’s need for compa ssionate a nd c reat ive leader s ha s never been g reater, I hope you w i l l approach ever y day, ever y place on t h i s c a mpu s a nd ever y conversat ion w it h t hose you encou nter here a s a n oppor t u n it y to engage, lea r n a nd g row. Ta ke t i me to l i sten to a nd engage w it h t hose w hose per spec t ives a nd back g rou nd s m ig ht be d i fferent f rom you r ow n, a nd be a n ac t ive pa rt ic ipa nt i n bu i ld i ng a com mu n it y w here ever y per son ex per iences a t r ue sen se of belongi ng. You a re Not re Da me, a nd we a re bet ter

bec au se you a re here.

A s we ma rk t he beg i n n i ng of a new ac adem ic yea r, I i nv ite you to at tend t he Open i ng Ma ss on Tuesday, Aug u st 22 at 5 :15 p.m. i n t he P u rcel l Pav i l ion of t he Joyce Center. I hope you w i l l joi n me a s we a sk for G od’s blessi ng i n t he com i ng yea r. T h i s gat her i ng i s a n i mpor t a nt oppor t u n it y to come toget her i n pr ayer, a nd ever yone i s i nv ited to at tend.

Once aga i n, welcome. I w i sh you ever y g r ace a nd blessi ng. K now t hat my pr ayer s a re a lw ay s w it h you.

I n Not re Da me, Rev. Joh n I. Jen k i ns, C . S .C .

P resident, Not re Da me Aug. 18

Embrace the amateur Dea r Sa i nt Ma r y ’s st udent s, I joi n t he fac u lt y a nd st a f f of Sa i nt Ma r y ’s Col lege i n welcom i ng SMC st udent s i n t he C la ss of 2027, t r a n sfer st udent s, ret u r n i ng st udent s a nd g r aduate st udent s ! You joi n over 2 3,0 0 0 l iv i ng a lu m nae a rou nd t he world w ho recog n i z e t he power of Sa i nt Ma r y ’s. We have a proud h i stor y a s a ba r r ier-brea ker, a place t hat empower s women to lead a nd to succeed. A nd w h i le ou r c a mpu s, c u r r ic u lu m a nd t rad it ion s w i l l a lw ay s be at t he center of you r ex per ience, t hat u n ique ex per ience i s t u rbocha rged by t he t r i-c a mpu s com mu n it y.

We had a bu s y su m mer here at Sa i nt Ma r y ’s, but t here i s not h i ng more energ i z i ng t ha n hav i ng ou r st udent body back i n ou r cla ssroom s, residence ha l l s, laborator ies a nd soc ia l spaces. We a re ready for you to a n i mate t he c a mpu s w it h you r energ y a nd i ntel lec t ua l c u r iosit y — to ma ke ou r com mu n it y a n i nv igorat i ng hub of ac t iv it y ! You r t i me here w i l l be ma rked by g reat sel f-d i scover y : you w i l l

acc u mu late k now ledge a nd ex per ience a nd you’l l g row t he con f idence to c reate a l i fe of mea n i ng a nd pu r pose.

At SMC , we promote a n open-hea r ted a nd i nclu sive com mu n it y. Ta ke adv a nt age of t he oppor t u n it ies to ex pa nd t he bou nda r ies of w ho you a re. E x plore you r fa it h. E ngage w it h people w ho have d i f ferent back g rou nd s, ex per iences, bel ief s, or opi n ion s. Approach t hem w it h a spi r it of c u r iosit y a nd be open to lea r ni ng w it h t hem a nd f rom t hem. Be ener g i z ed by d i f ference ! T h i s spi r it w i l l ma ke ou r commu n it y a nd ou r world a bet ter place. A nd t a ke c a re of you r sel f by adopt i ng a hea lt hy l i fest y le. T h i s, too, w i l l suppor t you r success — at Sa i nt Ma r y ’s a nd be yond !

Fi na l ly, I’d l i ke to encou r age you to keep a beg i n ner’s m i nd a s you a r r ive a nd prog ress t h roug h you r t i me at t he Col lege. It ’s good to be a n “a mateu r”— to cont i nue or st a r t some lea r n i ng ju st for t he love of it (w h ich i s w hat t he word a mateu r mea n s). Tr y some

t h i ngs you a re not a l ready good at a nd feel t he w ay s t he y st retch you to become broader a nd deeper. We c a n a lw ay s be i n t he process of becom i ng.

I n fac t, Sa i nt Ma r y ’s it sel f i s st i l l “becomi ng.” We were fou nded by a g roup of t r a i lbla zi ng women — t he Si ster s of t he Holy Cross — a nd t he y cont i nue to be ou r i n spi r at ion.

A l most 180 yea r s ago, t he y c reated Sa i nt Ma r y ’s to educ ate women, a nd t he y k new t hat empower i ng women wou ld ma ke a d i f ference i n t he world. You a re now pa r t of t hat t r ad it ion, a nd it ’s you r t u r n to ma ke h i stor y here.

So, prepa re for leader sh ip, bot h on c a mpu s a nd i n a world t hat need s you. I look for w a rd to accompa ny i ng you on t h i s exc it i ng jou r ne y.

Best rega rd s, K at ie Conboy, Ph.D. P resident, Sa i nt Ma r y ’s Col lege Aug. 15

A soul-sized endeavor Welcome back to a new yea r !

I w a nt to espec ia l ly welcome t hose of you w ho a re f i r st-yea r st udent s. I pray t hat you w i l l receive t he sa me k i nd of Holy Cross hospit a l it y t hat I ex per ienced t h i s pa st yea r. W hat you a re about to emba rk on i s so much more t ha n a col lege educ at ion. A s Si ster Madelev a Wol f f, C .S.C ., t he president at Sa i nt Ma r y ’s Col lege f rom 1934-1961 wou ld say w hen welcom i ng her f i r st-yea r st udent s, t h i s endeavor i s “sou l-si z ed.”

A bout a dec ade ago, t he leader sh ip at Holy Cross Col lege, Sa i nt Ma r y ’s Col lege a nd t he Un iver sit y of Not re Da me adopted a ter m t hat ha s become com mon pa rla nce — t he t r i-c a mpu s com mu n it y. I d i scovered i n my f i r st yea r t hat t here i s t r u ly no place l i ke t h i s t r i-c a mpu s com mu n it y a ny w here i n t he cou nt r y, a nd may be even i n t he world. Ou r com mon root s a nd her it age date back to ea rly 19t h cent u r y Fra nce w hen Blessed Ba si l Moreau fou nded t he Cong regat ion of Holy Cross. At a t i me of i nten se d iv i sion a nd despa i r, Fr. Moreau a nd t he you ng brot her s, si ster s a nd pr iest s emba rked on t h i s educ at iona l enter pr i se to cha nge t he world, a s d i sc iples w it h hope to br i ng.

W hen Fr. Sor i n a nd t he si x brot her s w ho accompa n ied h i m stood on t he h i l l overlook i ng Sa i nt Joseph’s a nd Sa i nt Ma r y ’s la kes, he env isioned a u n iver sit y com mu n it y t hat wou ld go on to become one of t he g reatest forces i n t he world … a nd i ndeed it ha s a s c a r r ied out by Not re Da me si nce 18 42, Sa i nt Ma r y ’s Col lege si nce 18 4 4 a nd Holy Cross Col lege si nce 1966.

Toget her, we st a nd on t h i s ha l lowed g rou nd.

Toget her, we lea r n t h roug h t he len ses of t he Cat hol ic I ntel lec t ua l Tr ad it ion, Cat hol ic Soc ia l Teach i ng a nd ou r Holy Cross t rad it ion, con sider i ng how we w i l l ma ke a d i f ference i n t he world. Toget her, we c a n cha nge t he world !

I n f ront of you l ies a n ex t r aord i na r y oppor t u n it y to be for med a s engaged schola r s, cou r ageou s c it i z en s, v i r t uou s leader s a nd hopef u l d i sc iples. W it h t h i s oppor t u n it y, a nd on t h i s plat for m, you a l so have g reat responsibi l it y. T he most fa m i l ia r l i ne f rom Blessed Ba si l Moreau’s t reat i se on educ at ion, t it led “C h r i st ia n Educ at ion,” w r it ten i n 1857, st ates t hat “t he m i nd mu st not be c u lt iv ated at t he ex pen se of t he hea r t .” From t h i s ma ndate, t he t r i-c a mpu s com mu n it y, i n ou r ow n u n ique w ay s, seek s to for m ou r st udent s i n bot h v i r t ue a nd schola r sh ip ba la nc i ng fa it h a nd

rea son, i n st r uc t ion a nd educ at ion, school a nd com mu n it y, v i r t ues a nd da i ly l iv i ng , k i nd ness a nd t r ut h, ju st ice a nd peace a nd bet ween t he hu ma n cond it ion a nd t he t r a n scendent . For Moreau, t hese i mpl ied ten sion s prepa re u s to be “c it i z en s i n t h i s world a nd for heaven” w ho possess “t he competence to see a nd t he cou rage to ac t ” (Con st it ut ion s of t he Cong regat ion of Holy Cross).

A s you beg i n t h i s “sou l-si z ed” endeavor, k now t hat you a re i n my pr ayer s. I look forw a rd to meet i ng you i n per son a nd to w a l k i ng t h i s jou r ne y w it h you. I a l so a sk t hat you pr ay for one a not her, for you r fac u lt y a nd st a f f, for t he ad m i n i st r ator s a nd volu nteer s, for t he donor s a nd benefac tor s, for you r pa rent s a nd fa m i ly, for t he pr iest s, brot her s a nd si ster s of Holy Cross, for t he Sout h Bend/M ich ia na commu n it y a nd for t he world. L et u s col lec t ively be d i sc iples w it h hope to br i ng a nd cont i nue t he legac y a s one of t he g reatest forces for good i n t he world.

Ave Cr u x , Spes Un ic a, Ma rco J. Cla rk, Ed.D. P resident, Holy Cross Col lege Aug. 14

Paid Advertisement

Paid Advertisement

10

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

LetterS to the editor

Listen. Grow. Flourish.

Welcome Back, Not re Da me !

“He y, a ren’t you t he g uy s w ho ma ke t hose si l ly St udent G over n ment v ideos ? ” Yes, yes we a re. But w hen we dec ided to g raduate f rom f i l m i ng t hemed v ideos i n f ront of a d i m ly-l it g reen sc reen (sha meless plug – fol low @ nd st ugov on IG ) to lead i ng St udent G over n ment, we for mu lated a t h ree-t iered approach to ou r leader sh ip ph i losophy : L i sten, Grow a nd F lou r i sh. A nd w h i le t he yea r i s on ly get t i ng st a r ted, we’re proud of t he prog ress we’ve made.

A s Ma rk Tw a i n once sa id, “I f G od i ntended u s to t a l k more t ha n l i sten, he wou ld’ve g iven u s t wo mout h s a nd one ea r.” Per Tw a i n’s adv ice, we l i stened du r i ng t he ea rly mont h s of ou r ter m. We’ve t a ken w hat you’ve told u s — w het her it ’s t he desi re for more f r u it i n t he d i n i ng ha l l s to more rel iable t ra n spor t at ion opt ion s of f-c a mpu s — a nd we’ve foc u sed ou r ef for t s on t u r n i ng it i nto ac t ion. A nd w h i le we don’t have t he space here to go over a l l 97 of ou r i n it iat ives, we h ig h ly sug gest you check out ou r P rog ress Tracker, loc ated on t he st udent gover n ment website. Add it iona l ly, follow t he a forement ioned st udent gover n ment

I n st ag ra m (t hat ’s @ nd st ugov aga i n for a l l you a r t icle sk i m mer s out t here … ) for a l l t he most up-to-date i n fo.

Nex t up, g row. A l l g row t h i s a i med at t he development of t he m i nd a nd spi r it, a nd ou r d i rec tor s have been ha rd at work t h i s su mmer c r a f t i ng event s t hat a re foc u sed solely on i mprov i ng t he l ives of st udent s w ho c a l l t h i s place home. W het her it be a n nua l t rad it ion s l i ke “F l ick on t he Field” ( hosted Aug. 25), Back t he Bend a nd Wa l k t he Wa l k Week, or br a nd new i n it iat ives l i ke Women’s Advoc ac y Week, I nter nat iona l St udent s Celebrat ion Nig ht a nd ou r L oc a l I nter fa it h Ser ies, we a re so exc ited to sha re a l l t he wonder f u l ly engag i ng a nd benef ic ia l t h i ngs we have i n store for you t h i s yea r.

L a st ly, f lou r i sh. We bel ieve t hat ever y st udent on t h i s c a mpu s c a n f lou r i sh, becom i ng t he compa ssionate, i n spi r i ng a nd empoweri ng i nd iv idua l G od i ntended you to be. But f lou r i sh i ng i sn’t possible w it hout absolute t r a n spa renc y. So w het her it be com i ng to ou r Cof fee C hat s, u si ng ou r (soon-to-be-relea sed) “L et ’s Ma ke It Happen For m,” w r it i ng u s a n ema i l or even ju st stoppi ng by t he new of f ice

(109 L a for t u ne), we w a nt to hea r f rom you.

Yes, you !

By yea r’s end, ou r hope i s t hat ever y st udent on t h i s c a mpu s w i l l be able to poi nt to a mu lt it ude of event s or i n it iat ives t hat st udent gover n ment exec uted to t a ng ibly i mprove t he st udent ex per ience. Plea se k now it i s t r u ly a n honor for u s to ser ve you, i n a ny w ay t hat we c a n. W h i le we may have t r aded out si l ly v ideos for Obser ver a r t icles, ou r love for Not re Da me a nd ded ic at ion to you rema i n s a l l t he sa me.

I f you ever have a quest ion, com ment or recom mendat ion, plea se never hesit ate to reach out to Da n iel, A ida n or Col let te. Ou r door i s a lw ay s open (109 L a for t u ne), a nd we c a n’t w a it for t h i s yea r to get rol l i ng !

E njoy t he yea r, a nd welcome back to c a mpu s ! G o I r i sh !

Da n iel Ju ng St udent Body P resident A ida n Rez ner St udent Body V ice P resident Col lette Doyle St udent G over n ment C h ief of St a f f Aug. 16

Embark on a new adventure Hel lo t r i-c a mpu s com mu n it y, We a re so exc ited to be back on c a mpu s w it h a l l of you. W it h t he st a r t of a new school yea r, we c a n’t help but ref lec t on how a ma zi ng t hese pa st t h ree yea r s have been. We a re so exc ited to be back i n T he Bend : exc ited for new a nd old f r iend sh ips, new cla sses a nd (for ma ny of u s) t he footba l l ga mes !

W het her you a re a f resh ma n mov i ng i n for t he f i r st t i me or a sen ior mov i ng i n for t he la st t i me, we a re su re you a re feel i ng a l l of t he feel i ngs, f rom exc itement to fea r to nost a lg ia . We u nder st a nd a nd have eit her been i n you r shoes before or a re a longside you, goi ng t h roug h t he emot ion s of sen ior yea r.

C her i sh t hese feel i ngs, a s t he y a re a su re sig n t hat you a re emba rk i ng on a new

advent u re. T he st a r t of ever y new yea r school yea r i s a new advent u re. Don’t be a f ra id to t a ke cha nces a nd t r y new t h i ngs. You have a road map a l ready w it h a cla ss schedu le, but rea l ly it i s a l l t he t i mes i n bet ween w hen you get to ac t ua l ly emba rk on t he advent u re t hat i s you r l i fe. You a re i n cont rol. Joi n t he club t hat none of you r ot her f r iend s a re i n. Say h i to t he per son i n t he d i n i ng ha l l or t he per son sit t i ng to you r lef t i n cla ss.

Never for get t hat l i fe i s w hat you ma ke it .

You have fou r i nc red ibly shor t yea r s here a nd w het her you a re a ner vou s f i r st-yea r or a n i nden ia l sen ior, you have to ma ke t h i s advent u re you r ow n.

A s t he st udent leader s of Sa i nt Ma r y ’s Col lege, we a re ready to welcome a new school

JOIN VIEWPOINT!

yea r i n t he place t hat ha s qu ick ly become ou r home. T he Avenue i s w a it i ng to be w a l ked dow n, t he l ibr a r y i s w a it i ng to be st ud ied i n a nd Bl i n k ie i s w a r m i ng up. A s a member of t he t r i-c a mpu s com mu n it y, Sa i nt Ma r y ’s welcomes a l l st udent s, a nd we look for w a rd to seei ng ou r c a mpu s f u l l of l i fe.

T he ener g y i s h ig h at Sa i nt Ma r y ’s, a nd we a re exc ited to sha re t hat w it h t he t r i-c a mpu s com mu n it y.

G o Bel les ! G o I r i sh ! G o Sa i nt s !

Sca rlet Peters Sa i nt Ma r y ’s St udent Body P resident Ha n na h K acz or Sa i nt Ma r y ’s St udent Body V ice P resident Aug. 15

Have any hot takes? Any writing experience?

The Observer is looking for copyeditors and columnists to join our team.

Apply today at viewpoint@ndsmcobserver.com

Classifieds

ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | The Observer

Crossword | Will Shortz

11

Horoscope | Eugenia Last Happy Birthday: Keep close tabs on your health, finances and legal matters.

Precision and detail will make a difference in the outcome of such issues and bring positive results. Use charm to get the attention you desire and the help you need to reach your target. Personal growth and self-improvement will pay off. Someone will be jealous or use temptation to lead you astray. Know when to say no. Your numbers are 4, 12, 18, 23, 30, 34, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Social events, personal growth and physical fitness are favored, but before you set your sights on something, evaluate the emotional, financial and material costs involved. Too much of anything will prove more harmful than good. Don’t let temptation and shortcuts take over.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t jump for joy prematurely. There will be some ifs and buts to deal with before you get what you want. Your persistence will pay off, so don’t get discouraged; giving your very best is essential to reach your goal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stifle your emotions, keep your plans to yourself and adjust your lifestyle to fit your needs. Taking on someone else’s fight will not solve your problems. Think before someone lures you in a direction that benefits them more than you. Make self-improvement a priority.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Adjust your home to suit your needs. Fuel your imagination and build a space specific to a pursuit that interests you. Refuse to let outside interference redirect you from the things that are important to you. Follow your heart and please yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’ve got the right idea but the wrong team. Redesign your plans to fit the talent in the room or change your helpers to fulfill your original concept. Being a take-charge leader will ensure your success. Set standards and fulfill promises.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Focus on how you want things to unfold, and make it happen. Your perceptive determination will take you where you want to go and give you the platform to get others on board. Study information and educate others, and significant opportunities will transpire.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Participation will lead to exciting connections, but don’t let it break the bank. Cap what you will spend or donate before you get involved. An opportunity is only good if it will get you where you want to go.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pay attention to what’s happening in the rearview mirror. Study the past, and you’ll make better decisions based on common sense and logistics. Use your voice to inform others of the truth and possibilities. Make changes that propagate trust, loyalty and respect.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): What you see is what you get. Don’t believe everything you hear. Ask questions, go directly to the source and make decisions based on what you see and experience. Don’t be a follower. Change what’s necessary. Make personal improvement a priority.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are sitting in a better position than anticipated. Strike while the iron is hot, but stay within budget. Refuse to let someone you love or want to impress push you into something that will add stress or inconvenience to your daily routine.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Assess partnerships and reset how you structure your life. Peace of mind comes from doing what’s best for you, not putting others first. Focus on your achievements and protecting what’s important to you. Self-improvement will lead to good health and happiness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t miss an opportunity because you are too afraid to move. Look at your options, discuss your plans with an expert or someone you respect, and make changes that complement how you envision your life. It’s time to dump dead weight.

Birthday Baby: You are knowledgeable, friendly and thoughtful. You are persistent and vigilant.

Sudoku | The Mepham Group

Jumble | David Hoyt and Jeff knurek

Support student journalism.

Donate to The Observer. ndsmcobserver.com/donate

Square Comic | XXX

Work Area

Make checks payable to and mail to:

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday, The Observer is a vital source of information on people and events in the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross communities. Join the more than 13,000 readers who have found The Observer an indispensable link to the three campuses. Please complete the accompanying form and mail it today to receive The Observer in your home.

The Observer P.O. Box 779 Notre Dame, IN 46556

Enclosed is $130 for one academic year Enclosed is $75 for one semester Name Address City State Zip

12

SPORTS

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

Sports Authority

Ten questions for Irish sports teams in 2023-24

By ANDREW MCGUINNESS, J.J. POST, TYLER REIDY, RYAN MURPHY Sports Editor, Associate Sports Editor, Associate Sports Editor, Sports Writer

Notre Dame fall sports are officially back. Irish women’s soccer kicked off their season against Milwaukee on Thursday, and men’s soccer, volleyball, cross country and football will soon follow suit with their season openers. While The Observer will provide plenty of coverage on the start of the football season, football is far from the only team on campus. Here are 10 questions and storylines to watch for as Notre Dame’s other teams take the field and court in 2023.

1. Can women’s soccer keep building?

Notre Dame women’s soccer has made steady progress each year of head coach Nate Norman’s tenure, with the exception of the strange, abridged 2020 season.

Said progress culminated in a trip to the last eight of the NCAA tournament in 2022, the Irish’s best finish to the season in a decade. Notre Dame loses prolific forward Olivia Wingate and dynamic midfielder Korbin Albert (among other departures). They add a highly ranked recruiting class though, and return the entirety of one of the ACC’s best backlines. The losses are notable, but the bones remain for a potential run if the offseason development that defined each of the team’s last two summers continues. ­­— J.J. Post

2. What will year two of the Rockwell era look like in volleyball?

Head coach Salima Rockwell’s first year was one of learning and development for the new Notre Dame volleyball coach. The former Penn State standout will continue to develop a defense focused around standout Libero Hattie Monson.

Monson played all 108 sets for the Irish last fall and looks to become an even more vocal leader among the backline. As for the offense, look to Avery Ross and

Lucy Trump to make larger contributions this year on the attack.

Trump and Ross gained valuable experience last season, earning 17 and 19 starts respectively as freshmen. With a year of ACC play under their belt the duo will now have had a full off-season to prepare for what will be a grueling slate of conference matchups in the back half of the season. The young team could very well surprise many as they appear to finally be meshing under a stronger motion offense. — Jacob

Irons 3. Who leads the line for men’s soccer?

The Irish men’s soccer College Cup run in 2021 was followed up by a relatively disappointing 2022 encore. A rebuilding year wasn’t much of a surprise — Notre Dame lost three players from the 2021 squad to the first round of the MLS SuperDraft, but the team is primed to once again be in contention for an NCAA tournament bid in 2023.

To do that though, the team will need production in front of net — no player scored more than six goals in 2022.

Returning goalkeeper senior Bryan Dowd should give the Irish a reliable backstop, and several notable defenders (including senior Paddy Burns, junior Josh Ramsey and graduate student Mo Williams) are back for the fall. The defense will, barring injury or unexpected regression, be solid. But can anyone break out in a major way in attack to give the team another dimension and take Notre Dame to the next level? — Post

4. How good will hockey’s freshmen centers be?

Notre Dame hockey’s eightmember freshman class is their largest in four years, and their contribution to the team’s offense will be a key question heading into the year.

U.S.NationalTeamDevelopment Program product Danny Nelson and Fargo Force alumnus Cole Knuble seem particularly poised for important roles. Both are coming off strong pre-college seasons and were drafted in June’s NHL entry draft.

Nelson shined at the IIHF under-18 World Championships, with seven points in seven games and was selected by the New York Islanders 49th overall.

Knuble put up 30 goals and 66 points in the top flight of junior hockey, the United States Hockey League (USHL), earning a fourth round selection by the Philadelphia Flyers. If those two can step into a center role and produce right away — a big ask for any freshman in college hockey, let alone two competing in a stacked Big Ten — it would be a boon for an Irish offense that struggled to score last year.

— Ryan Murphy 5. Is strong pitching enough for softball?

After wrapping up last season in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional, Notre Dame softball should pitch at least as well as they did last season. Breakout freshman Micaela Kastor returns with a consistencyseeking Shannon Becker, joining graduate transfer and two-time Ivy League Pitcher of the Year Alexis Laudenslager (Princeton). But to break out of a 24-year super regional drought, the Irish must replace a handful of high-impact position players, including 40-RBI contributors Joley Mitchell and Lexi Orozco.

Slugging senior first baseman Karina Gaskins and do-it-all senior catcher Carlli Kloss will be around to lead the charge, but 2024 success will hinge on the progression of unproven hitters around them.

— Tyler Reidy

6. Which new contributors will step up in men’s basketball?

There will hopefully be a plethora of players that fit this description.

Otherwise, a difficult campaign is likely in store for the Irish, who enter their first season under head coach Micah Shrewsberry with the challenge of having to replace nearly all of last year’s veteranheavy rotation.

In terms of returning players, the one to watch is junior guard J.R. Konieczny, an impressive athlete who redshirted last year and could be in line for a breakout season.

Shrewsberry also pulled in a strong

recruiting class despite having to work on a condensed timeline during his first offseason in South Bend.

Freshman guard Markus Burton, who earned Indiana Mr. Basketball honors, and freshman forward Carey Booth will both be counted on to make an impact from day one. Finally, the rebuilding Irish should get significant production from the transfer portal, having brought in sophomore forward Kebba Njie, who played for Shrewsberry at Penn State, as well as junior guard Julian Roper II from Northwestern. With a youthful and largely inexperienced group, expect Notre Dame to utilize a far deeper bench than they have in recent memory. It should be an exciting season to watch for Irish fans as they get to know the players that will make up the core for the next era of Notre Dame men’s basketball. — Matthew Crow

7. How does women’s lacrosse reload?

While the men’s team finally authored their long-awaited breakout run, 2023 was the latest soclose-but-yet-so-far season for the women’s lacrosse team. The Irish put together another solid season, going 20-6 and reaching the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

The team is bringing back plenty of starpower, as seniors or graduate students account for a majority of the team’s top players. This season has a very “Last Dance” vibe for Christine Halfpenny – can the Irish make it count? — Andrew

McGuinness 8. How well can the graduate transfer class fill baseball’s veteran void?

In an often-promising 2023 campaign that ended with a mid-May flameout, Irish baseball’s top four hitters all ran out of eligibility. With the graduate student core of Brooks Coetzee, Vinny Martinez, Zack Prajzner and Carter Putz moving on, Notre Dame’s offense will look very different in 2024. To help ease the transition, head coach Shawn Stiffler added five graduate transfers over the summer. Outfielders Josh Hahn (UCLA) and Nathan

Manning (Cal) are coming off breakout seasons, while outfielders Tito Flores (Michigan) and David Glancy (St. John’s) and utility man Simon Baumgardt (Tulane) have combined to play 452 collegiate games. — Reidy

9. How dynamic can the guard play of women’s basketball be?

There’s no question that Notre Dame women’s basketball, once fully healthy, will be a guard-driven team this season. Olivia Miles is already one of the best point guards in the country. Incoming freshman Hannah Hidalgo was the highest ranked true point guard in the class of 2023, per ESPN. Transfer Anna DeWolfe averaged over 18 points per game last season at Fordham. Junior Sonia Citron is more of a combo player than a guard, but she’ll technically be listed as an option at the position for 2023 as well. Head coach Niele Ivey likes her teams to play fast, and this team will have the guard options to always be out and running this winter. Will it be enough to power a team without much in the way of proven production down low to a Final Four? — Post

10. Can Notre Dame’s two reigning national champions do it again?

Irish eyes have already had a lot to smile about in 2023. In March, the Irish fencing team brought home its third straight national championship, with now senior Luke Linder and sophomore Eszter Muhari also winning individual titles. Three months later, Notre Dame celebrated again, as the men’s team erased years of frustrating close calls, beating Duke to win its first championship in program history. The team returns a good amount of its stars, although junior Chris Kavanagh will be without brother Pat by his side for the first time in his collegiate career. — McGuinness Contact Andrew McGuinness at amcguinn@nd.edu, J.J. Post at jpost2@nd.edu, Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu, and Ryan Murphy at rmurph22@nd.edu

Tri-campus

Fast facts about every tri-campus fall sports team

By MADELINE LADD Associate Sports Editor

ND Football With the Marcus Freeman era reaching its second year, the Irish look to build upon last season’s 9-4 record and No. 18 final ranking. 2022-23 marked a rollercoaster for the Irish, with a big-time win against No. 5 Clemson but embarrassing losses against unranked Marshall and Stanford.

The expectation now, however, is national titles. And a 9-4 season with losses to lesser-ranked opponents isn’t acceptable. This

year’s preseason AP Poll ranked the Irish No. 13. Transfers such as graduate quarterback Sam Hartman and defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste are expected to make an immediate impact.

However, Hartman is the name everyone will be watching as he tries to play his way into the Heisman conversation.

The arrivals of freshman Jeremiyah Love and Penn State transfer Devyn Ford, along with the return of junior running back Audric Estime, sophomore Gi’Bran Payne and sophomore

Jadarian Price, will give the Irish a strong run game.

With another year under defensive coordinator Al Golden, the defense is expected to take giant steps and avoid the big play breakdowns and red zone failures experienced last season.

The loss of special teams coach and punt block guru Brian Mason hurts.

But his replacement Marty Biagi shouldn’t miss a step. If the wide receivers can gel, the Irish have the potential to make a run this season.

ND Men’s Soccer With three exhibition matches under their belt, the Irish kick off their regular season at home on Aug. 24 against Indiana, looking to build upon see TRI-CAMPUS PAGE 14

The Observer accepts classifieds every business day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Notre Dame office, 024 South Dining Hall. Deadline for next-day classifieds is 3 p.m. All classifieds must be prepaid. The charge is 5 cents per character per day, including all spaces. The Observer reserves the right to edit all classifieds for content without issuing refunds.

For Rent Gorgeous Renovation (7/23).

6bds, 2.5 bath home 2.5m N of ND. Available for football weekends or longer term for new

professors. Call Rochelle: 480415-0000 or rmgibler@ icloud. com

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

13

CHRISTINA SAYUT | The Observer

14

Sports

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

Tri-Campus Continued from page 12

a four-game unbeaten run to end the 2022 regular season. In postseason play, though, the Irish fell to Clemson in the first round of the ACC Tournament.

Head coach Chad Riley cites consistently getting into the quarterfinals as a future goal for the team.

Junior goalkeeper Bryan Dowd was a big contributor last season, totaling 43 saves at a .652 clip.

Dowd will return for another season, bringing with him consistency and the ability to develop young players. Also returning are sophomore midfielders KK Baffour and Sebastian Green, who had particularly notable developmental seasons last year. Also watch for award watchlist players this year, such as senior defender Paddy Burns, as the Irish begin their campaign.

ND Women’s Soccer The Irish saw a wildly successful season last year, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2012. Entering 2023 ranked No. 3 in the country, high expectations abound for the Irish.

However, the departure of star Korbin Albert to PSG in France and the graduation of an excellent senior class leaves a hole in the offense this season.

Look to graduate transfer midfielder Kristina Lynch for her wealth of experience and to potentially shake things up on offense after she missed all of 2022 with an injury.

Captain and graduate student midfielder Kiki Van Zanten also returns with experience from the 2023 World Cup. Graduate forward Maddie Mercado has excelled in preseason.

The Irish will also especially look to the defense to shine, with three starters returning on the backline in All-ACC Preseason team member senior Eva Gaetino, graduate student Waniya Hudson and sophomore Leah Klenke.

ND Volleyball After a rocky 10-18 season, the Irish are looking to rebuild with head coach Salima Rockwell in her second year. Showing signs of promise with several win streaks, the team looks to draw on the highs of 2022 to create a winning culture this year.

Some of the Irish’s strongest players will be returning, such as junior setter Phyona Schrader and senior libero Hattie Monson.

Schrader averaged over eight assists per set, ranking seventh in the ACC. Monson finished with 4.19 digs per set, the third-most in the conference.

ND Golf For the Irish women, head

coach Caroline Powers Ellis enters her second season after learning the ropes of South Bend in 2022-23. The team has lost three graduating players, though four freshmen enter the roster for the season. The upperclassmen trio of graduate student Lauren Beaudreau, senior Chloe Schiavone and junior Montgomery Ferreira will return to help guide the talented freshman class.

The men suffered a disappointing season, failing to place any higher than fourth in any competition. The return of emerging sophomore Nate Stevens and established star graduate student Palmer Jackson will allow them to build upon his Stevens’ promising freshman season.

ND XC Emily Hosker-Thornhill makes her season debut as assistant coach for the Irish. After posting a 15th-place finish for the men and seventh for the women at the NCAA Championships, the Irish are looking toward higher finishes 2023.

SMC Volleyball The Belles faced a difficult season last year, going 5-19 with a 1-7 conference record. With the departure of three seniors at the end of last season, the Belles will rely on new recruits to fill the gaps in the program. Nevertheless, according to head coach Denise

Van De Walle, team morale is high and a small roster provides for more personal attention.

SMC Soccer An inexperienced roster, new coaching staff and difficult slate of opponents led to an 0-13-3 season for the Belles in 2022. Last year, 16 of the 23 players of the Belles’ roster were underclassmen. However, with a year under their belt and an understanding of their shortcomings, the Belles prepare to take on the season with a huge group of sophomores and incoming recruits.

look to new recruits to step up.

HCC Women’s Soccer An injury-riddled season for the Saints concluded with a 6-67 record last year. This season though, a strong incoming freshman class will bring the Saints some big-time players and much needed added depth. Focused on specifying the team’s needs while recruiting, coach Omar Gallo believes he will foster his talent to where a championship could be on the line in the foreseeable future.

HCC/SMC Golf SMC XC After some late-season success and a sixth-place finish at the MIAA Championships last year, the Belles are hoping to build on this momentum in the upcoming season. With last year’s roster featuring six seniors, the underclassmen will be put to the test as the team vies for personal bests and strong team finishes.

HCC Men’s Soccer The Saints put together a 105-4 season last year, hanging tough with nearly every team they played. Much of the roster returns this year. That’s a good thing considering last year’s team set a program record with a 12-game unbeaten streak. With sights set on a deep postseason run, the team will build on their performance from last year and

Both HCC and SMC had difficult 2022-23 seasons. For the Saint Mary’s golf team, their average was the lowest it has been in eight years last year.

The team hopes for more consistent play this season in order to achieve their goals.

Both the Holy Cross women’s and men’s golf team faced the sudden departure of their head coach T.J. Mannen partway into last season.

Assistant coach Aaron Martinez stepped up into the interim head coach position, and he’ll lead the team again this year. With only four female golfers on the roster at the end of last season, the team hopes to build a stronger, deeper roster in 2023.

Contact Madeline Ladd at mladd2@nd.edu

Paid Advertisement

2023–24 Academic Year

Opening Mass A Notre Dame tradition

5:15 P.M. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 PURCELL PAVILION Following Mass, undergraduate students, regardless of meal plan, are welcome to gather in North or South Dining Hall for a special dinner. Graduate and professional students and their families are invited to Bond Quad for dinner provided by local and campus eateries.

go.nd.edu/openingmass

sports

ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | The Observer

Roundtable Continued from page 16

need to take a huge step forward from last year for Notre Dame’s offense to reach its potential.

Post: It has to be w ide receiver. Notre Dame has a lot of talent at w ideout but proven commodities are far and few between. Junior Jayden Thomas has proven a reliable option and a versatile one at that. But behind him, the Irish and Hartman w ill need to find production out of the likes of senior Chris Ty ree (in his first season play ing slot), sophomore Tobias Merriweather (one career collegiate catch), junior Deion Colzie (nine catches in 2022), graduate student Matt Salerno (five catches in 2022) and the freshman trio of Rico Flores, Jaden Greathouse and Braylon James. Notre Dame doesn’t need Merriweather to catch 15 touchdowns or Salerno to become a Biletnikoff winner for success this fall. But they will need at least a few success stories that weren’t seen last season.

Sanchez Cordova: I’m a bit concerned about special teams.

Often overlooked, last year they made themselves the focal point more than once with all those blocked punts. But special teams coordinator Brian Mason moved on to the NFL and the team lost its starting kicker, punter and main punt returner.

It’s a lot of turmoil to overcome in a short time. Graduate transfers Spencer Shrader and Ben Krimm came in to cover the kicking and punting duties. But I think it’ll take a few games before I feel confident new special teams coordinator Marty Biagi picked up where the unit left off last season.

Crow: At the moment, Notre Dame’s biggest weakness might be the tight end position, if only because it has the most question marks of any unit. Mayer was responsible for essentially all of the group’s production last season. Notre Dame’s available tight ends enter 2023 with just six total career receptions after senior Kevin Bauman was lost for the season due to injury.

Luckily, there is a lot of talent

at the position. Junior Mitchell Evans and sophomores Holden Staes and Eli Raridon are expected to feature on the depth chart.

Tom Zwiller, Sports Writer: The defensive line.

The rotation is incredibly deep; defensive line coach Al Washington said he felt the Irish could have a rotation of up to ten players. However, I think those players are all currently rotation-level good, not starting-level. Notre Dame will need a few players on the line to take a step up.

Breakout Player McGuinness: It wasn’t that surprising that Notre Dame had a star freshman cornerback emerge last year. Who it was was a bit of one, though. While Morrison balled out in the second half of 2022, Jaden Mickey had a bit more of a traditional up-and-down rookie season in South Bend. But it was Mickey who was the higher-rated recruit entering the season.

Despite the valleys, Mickey did show some positive signs last fall and will have all the opportunity to become a key member of what could be a vaunted Irish secondary.

Ladd: Tobias Merriweather.

This season’s young wide receiver crew will need to step up to replace Mayer’s receiving consistency. Hartman will rely heavily on the 6’4, 204 pound Merriweather. He’s one of the most talented wide receivers on the team but has yet to fully show it on the field. He has room to stand out this season and contribute greatly to the Irish offense.

Post: Stop me if you’ve heard a prediction for senior defensive end Rylie Mills to be a breakout player before. Mills was tabbed for this exact honor at this exact time last season, and to a lesser extent the season before that.

Will his tools finally translate into tangible production? Last year Mills was solid, notching six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This year, he’ll need to be a leader on a retooled Irish defensive line.

Crow: Senior defensive lineman Jordan Botelho was arguably onSenior defensive

lineman Jordan Botelho was arguably one of the Irish’s biggest breakout players in 2022. And he could have another major leap in store this season. Botelho is an explosive pass-rusher who finished second on the team in sacks as a junior despite taking limited snaps behind All-American Isaiah Foskey. Getting his first opportunity to start during the Gator Bowl against South Carolina, he showed his ability to step into a larger role, recording two sacks in the Irish victory. Botelho will be a crucial part of a largely unproven defensive line and will look to carry his impressive finish to last season into a standout senior campaign.

Zwiller: If a position group needs a player to answer the call, it is the wide receivers. I think Jaden Greathouse has the potential to be that player. I like Greathouse in the slot and think he could be an excellent weapon for Hartman.

The 6’1, 204-pound freshman has looked good to me in practice, and I think he can be a great second option while other WRs (like Merriweather) draw more eyes.

Overall Season Prediction McGuinness: History says it usually takes an Irish coach at least three years before their first signature campaign. So, while there’s a temptation to expect Marcus Freeman to reach for the stars in year two, a steady but not meteoric rise is probably what’s in store. The combination of a big-three opponent gauntlet of Ohio State, USC and Clemson combined with other quality opponents in NC State and Duke (both of which the Irish play on the road) will prevent the Irish from having a shot of playing for a championship.

But after going 10-2, the Irish will still make history this season, winning a New Year’s Six Bowl for the first time since 1993.

Ladd: 9-3. The introduction of new talent mixed with the maturity of the old makes for a promising season for the Irish.

However, there is always the potential for a clunker as the

team finds its groove. I predict competitive and respectable matches against Ohio State and USC, though the Irish will ultimately fall short against these two giants. A USC loss will fuel the fire and we will see a winning streak to end the season 9-3, which includes an on-theroad win against Clemson.

However, I hope the Irish prove me wrong. What is the saying … underpromise and overdeliver?

Post: 10-3, with a bowl game win. This should be a fun Notre Dame season. The best quarterback the Irish have had in years. A schedule packed with both marquee home games (Ohio State, USC) and underrated road tests (Duke, Louisville). Ultimately, I see too many potential minefields on Notre Dame’s schedule to not expect the Irish to lose at least one of the games they will be favored in. That being said, I think the combination of a dynamic quarterback, strong ground game and an improved defense will allow Notre Dame to pull at least one big upset. Can the Irish take more than one out of three though? That will be the question that defines where Notre Dame is playing in January.

Sanchez Cordova: I’m quite optimistic. I feel like this is a really talented roster that can to Notre Dame back to a New Year’s Six bowl and maybe more. But there’s are definitely some questions on offense that make me nervous.

Ultimately, the three games with Ohio State, USC and Clemson are going to define the year. Right now, I think they go 1-2 and beat rival USC under the lights in South Bend, but drop the other two and finish 10-2. This should be enough to land them an New Year’s Six Bowl where they’ll break the big game curse.

Crow: I think the Irish’s No. 13 preseason ranking in both the Coaches and AP polls almost perfectly splits the difference between the ceiling and floor for the 2023 team. Notre Dame saw the departure of several key contributors on the field and on the coaching staff.

On the other hand, the Irish

15

defense should be strong as ever, and the offense looks poised to take a step forward behind Hartman and potential All-American Estime. I’ll tab the Irish to win two of their marquee matchups against Ohio State, USC and Clemson and take care of business elsewhere, finishing 11-1 and directly on the College Football Playoff bubble.

Zwiller: In all likelihood, Notre Dame will have a similar finish to last year. The offense has gotten a massive upgrade at QB. But the wide receivers are genuinely starting to worry me with how little they flash at practice.

I love the defensive secondary, but Notre Dame may sometimes struggle to generate a pass rush. At a minimum, the Irish will stumble twice in their big three games; my money is on Ohio State and Clemson. I think ND loses three games, finishes in the teens in the polls, and wins a decent bowl game for a 10-3 finish.

Niche Prediction McGuinness: The Irish will have at least one game-winning punt or kick return touchdown this season.

Ladd: Botehlo has 10 sacks, leads the team in tackles and is a finalist for the Bednarik Award for the top defensive player in the country.

Post: Sophomore Bryce McFerson attempts and achieves at least one fake punt this fall.

Sanchez Cordova: Notre Dame’s offensive line will win the Joe Moore Award at the end of the year.

Crow: Notre Dame will make a statement with another threepossession win against Ohio State, USC or Clemson.

Zwiller: Notre Dame will go 1-2 against the big three. I have Notre Dame losing to Ohio State 24-21, defeating USC 3835 and losing to Clemson 28-21.

The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Paid Advertisement

Write Sports.

Email Andrew McGuinness at amcguinn@nd.edu

16

The observer | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 | ndsmcobserver.com

Football

Roundtable: Previewing the 2023 Irish football season Observer Sports Staff

Another Notre Dame football season is right around the corner. The usual time to settle into campus life before the season begins is brief this year, thanks to a Week 0 trip to Dublin to take on Nav y. With the number of days until kick off in Ireland dow n to single digits, The Obser ver’s football beat discusses their thoughts on the team.

Biggest Strength Andrew McGuinness, Sports Editor: There are some positions where the Irish have depth but not an established standout player.

And there are others w ith a clear star talent but not much behind them if injuries or underperformance w reak havoc. At running back, however, there is both.

Junior Audric Estime established himself as a driv ing force in Notre Dame’s offense last year, rushing for 5.9 yards per carr y and 11 touchdow ns. Though the three backs behind him

– freshman Jeremiyah Love, sophomore Gi’Bran Pay ne and graduate student Dev y n Ford – have never played a snap for the Irish, all three have talented resumes and reportedly have f lashed brilliance during camp.

Madeline Ladd, Associate Sports Editor: The secondar y is the area to watch this season for the Irish. Returning safeties senior Ramon Henderson and graduate student DJ Brow n have the abilit y to make more plays and impact the defense. Senior Xav ier Watts’ late-season standout performance last year fuels this optimism, as do graduate transfers Thomas Harper (Ok lahoma State) and Antonio Carter II (Rhode Island). Cleaning up missed tack les and more aggressive play could be key for the Irish defensively. Sophomore phenom Ben Morrison and senior Cam Hart are a great returning duo at cornerback, and sophomore Jaden Mickey and highly touted freshmen Christian Gray and Micah Bell w ill prov ide

excellent depth.

J.J. Post, Associate Sports Editor: In just a few years, cornerback has turned from a potential weakness of the Notre Dame roster to a unit the Irish expect to lean on. Morrison had one of the most impressive rookie campaigns of any freshman in college football last year, and there’s little ev idence to suggest he’ll slow dow n in 2023. Hart’s career has been plagued by injuries, but when healthy he’s overqualified for the job of No. 2 cornerback. If Hart stays healthy and Harper proves to be a shrewd portal add, this could be the best Notre Dame cornerback room in over a decade.

José Sanchez Cordova, Assistant Managing Editor: Graduate student quarterback Sam Hartman. I know he hasn’t suited up for Notre Dame yet, but a stellar track record at Wake Forest has me totally sold. He holds multiple ACC records and led the Demon Deacons to the 2021 conference

championship game. He’ll bring a level of stabilit y and consistency to the quarterback position that the Irish have lacked since Ian Book left. He was already named a team captain and that leadership on the offensive side is something Notre Dame w ill need w ith a young group of receivers and tight ends.

I’m hopeful Hartman’s passing prowess and abilit y on the ground w ill keep defenses on their toes, giv ing the strong running back group a chance to shine.

Matthew Crow, Associate Sports Editor: The true strength of the Irish’s offensive attack w ill be found in the trenches.

Notre Dame’s offensive line is headlined by juniors Joe A lt and Blake Fisher, who form one of the top offensive tack le tandems in the nation.

They are joined by a third returning starter in graduate student center Zeke Correll.

Uncertaint y remains at both guard spots after the departures of standouts Jarrett Patterson and Josh Lugg to the NFL. But the competitive

offseason battles for those roles indicate that the line should feature a strong starting five and qualit y depth, w ith several starting-caliber backups ready to step in if needed. In the absence of a consistent passing game last season, Notre Dame’s offensive line played a key role in helping the Irish establish one of the best rushing attacks in the countr y.

Biggest Weakness McGuinness : For all of the hy pe around Hartman’s arrival, ever yone seems to be forgetting a quarterback is only as good as the people he is throw ing the ball to.

Michael Mayer is gone, and w ith him so are 36% of Notre Dame’s receiv ing touchdow ns and 30% of its receiving yards. Last year, the Irish failed to produce a 400-yard receiver for the first time since before Brian Kelly took over. There is talent in the group, especially among the underclassmen. But Notre Dame’s passcatchers w ill see ROUNDTABLE PAGE 15