Avery Houlihan gives Notre Dame a steady-glove, high-IQ infield presence
In the 2026 season, Houlihan started all 53 games at shortstop for Notre Dame, hit .267 with 31 hits, and led the team with 98 assists defensively, showing the kind of reliability coaches love in the middle of the diamond.[1] Beyond the numbers, she brings versatility, having already contributed as a pinch runner and in the outfield as a freshman, plus she finished strong with a six-game hit streak and multiple multi-hit games, suggesting a player who competes well, stays composed, and fits teams that value dependable defense and steady offensive production.[1]
