Sports Summit 2025 - In Review

Our Rockne Premier Family convened at the Omni PGA Resort in Frisco, Texas, for the 2025 Sports Summit — an exclusive and energizing gathering of leaders, benefactors, and champions of Notre Dame Athletics.

This year’s Summit offered our most engaged supporters a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Notre Dame plans to lead boldly into the future of collegiate athletics — while fiercely preserving our identity and values. From in-depth conversations on national trends to firsthand perspectives from student-athletes and University leadership, attendees gained unparalleled insight into the evolving landscape and how Notre Dame is uniquely positioned to thrive within it.

We are deeply grateful to our Dallas partners, our special guests, and — most especially — to our Jesse Harper Council and Athletics Director’s Circle members. Your presence, engagement, and steadfast commitment made this event a meaningful celebration of our shared mission: to elevate the student-athlete experience and honor the enduring legacy of Our Lady’s University.

While there were many unforgettable moments from this Sports Summit, the following events are some of the highlights of our time in Texas.

JHC at Toyota Stadium

From Notre Dame to National Stage: The Evolution of the Game and a Conversation Across Eras

Toyota Stadium - Winners Club

We explored the evolution of women's soccer, from the hallowed grounds of Notre Dame to the grandest international stages, with Fighting Irish legend and USWNT icon Shannon Boxx in conversation with current Notre Dame standout and U.S. Women’s National Team player Izzy Engle. We discovered firsthand the changing landscape of the game, the enduring spirit of Notre Dame soccer, and the unique paths these remarkable athletes have forged.

Speakers:

  • Shannon Boxx (Notre Dame Women’s Soccer ‘98, National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of ‘22)
  • Izzy Engle (Notre Dame Women’s Soccer Student-Athlete '28)

Moderator: Caroline Pineda '22 (NBC Sports)

Cosm Opening Dinner

“From Bloody Wounds to Team Glory - Lessons from a Historic Season”

Cosm Dallas

'From Bloody Wounds to Team Glory' offered an exclusive look into Notre Dame Football's historic 2024 season. Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman unpacked the pivotal moments, leadership lessons, and unwavering resilience that propelled the Fighting Irish to unprecedented heights.

Presenter: Marcus Freeman (Dick Corbett Head Football Coach)

Cosm Dome Experience

Cosm Dallas

A behind-the-scenes showcase of Notre Dame’s Historic 2024 season presented on Cosm’s signature Dome screen. Partnering with Fighting Irish Media, we gave an insider's perspective on the moments you may not have seen.

Sports Summit Programming

Notre Dame Football Players Panel: From “Choosing Hard’ to the Journey Ahead

Omni PGA Frisco

What does it truly mean to "Choose Hard" as a Notre Dame football student-athlete? We were joined by Jadarian Price and Jaden Greathouse as they delved into their experiences – from the initial decision to come to Notre Dame to navigating the challenges and opportunities of life on and off the field. We gained insights into their personal growth, the lessons learned, and their aspirations as they continue their journeys with the Fighting Irish.

Speakers:

  • Jadarian Price (Notre Dame Football Student-Athlete '28)
  • Jaden Greathouse (Notre Dame Football Student-Athlete '27)

Moderator: Paul Burmeister (NBC Sports)

The Role of Congress in the Future of College Athletics

Omni PGA Frisco

We explored the critical intersection of policy and collegiate sports. This session delved into Congress's potential and necessary involvement in shaping the future of college athletics, addressing key issues like NIL, athlete rights, and the structure of the NCAA.

Speakers:

  • Laura Parker McAleer '98 (Associate Vice President, Federal & Washington Relations
  • Pete Bevacqua '93 (Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics)

Moderator: Aaron Horvath (Advisor to the Director of Athletics, Deputy Athletics Director - External Relations)

Experiences at the Omni & Cocktail Reception

Summit Finale - Fighting Irish in Texas

Pre-Dinner Closing Remarks: Pete Bevacqua

Pre-Dinner Blessing: Father Nate Wills

Fireside Chats:

  • Moderator: Paul Burmeister (NBC Sports)
  • Tim Brown (Notre Dame Football '88, Chairman and Commissioner, The Arena League)
  • Moderator: Matthias Farley (Notre Dame Football '15, Former Safety, Carolina Panthers)
  • Marist Liufau (Notre Dame Football '22, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys)
  • Troy Pride (Notre Dame Football '19, Cornerback, Dallas Cowboys)

The Fighting Irish in Texas Drone Show