Kris McCleary Position: Assistant Coach Alma Mater: Notre Dame '99

Kris McCleary enters her second season with the University of Notre Dame softball team in 2003.

McCleary, one of the best all-around catchers in Irish history, will work directly with the backstops this season while helping out with the team's hitting instruction and infielders.

"We are very proud to have Kris in our program because she is bringing a piece of Notre Dame back with her," head coach Deanna Gumpf says.

"She will be a huge benefit to our battery and the development of our hitters."

McCleary was drafted by the Virginia Roadsters of the Women's Professional Softball League following her Notre Dame career in 1999, but the former Irish team MVP and captain chose to continue her career as an assistant at UNLV.

McCleary completed her Notre Dame career by earning all-BIG EAST and all-Mideast Region honors in 1999. She hit a career-high seven home runs in her final season while throwing out 16 runners attempting to steal.

Born March 21, 1977, in Akron, Ohio, McCleary earned a bachelor's degree in history from Notre Dame in 1999.