Every athlete has the power to

lead in life, on the field, and in the classroom.

How We Started…
• In 2024, Notre Dame launched the CrusaderEDGE program which stands for Education, Discipline, Growth, and Excellence to support the complete development of our student-athletes.

• Built upon the national AthLife foundation model, CrusaderEDGE was created to provide targeted academic and personal support while strengthening leadership and accountability within our athletic community.
• In 2025, Crusader EDGE expanded its reach through new programming, workshops, and partnerships with local experts and alumni.

What We Do…
Crusader EDGE is designed to help student-athletes achieve success in the classroom, in competition, and in life. We provide:
• Academic monitoring and check-ins for students at or below a 2.5 GPA.
• Weekly study halls and individualized action plans built with input from teachers, parents, and coaches.
• Support in time management, communication, and accountability.
• Guidance on the college recruiting process and NCAA eligibility.
• Access to resources on nutrition, mental health, and career planning through our Crusader EDGE Google Classroom.
• Team-building, leadership, and character development sessions.
• Recognition programs like the Coach Marty Hlay Leadership Award and our ongoing academic spotlight highlighting achievements on social media and in school.

Our Team…

Lindsay McCarthy
Assistant Athletic Director
📧

Nino Morici
Junior High Athletic Director
📧

2025-26 Crusader EDGE Highlights
• Established a Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) to give athletes a voice and promote leadership initiatives across programs.
• Hosted the 2nd Annual College Athletics Informative Workshop, helping families navigate recruiting and NCAA eligibility.
• Welcomed guest speakers such as Dr. Julie Amato (mental health) and a St. Luke’s dietician Elliot Beadle (nutrition).
• Launched a Student-Athlete of the Month campaign to celebrate classroom success.
• Introduced the Coach Marty Hlay Leadership Award to honor character and team leadership.
• Facilitated academic action plans for student-athletes in need of additional support, leading to measurable improvement in grades and accountability.
• Developed expanded CrusaderEDGE Google Classroom resources featuring college prep tools, NCAA information, and wellness content.
• Hosting a College Athlete Alumni Panel featuring former Crusaders currently competing at the collegiate level.

Our Mission Moving Forward
The CrusaderEDGE program continues to build a culture rooted in education, discipline, growth, and excellence. We are committed to ensuring every student-athlete has:
• The academic tools to succeed in the classroom.
• The emotional and personal support to manage challenges.
• The leadership and life skills to thrive beyond high school.