Record-Breaking Notre Dame Softball Coach Deanna Gumpf Announces Retirement

The all-time winningest coach in Notre Dame athletics history is officially hanging it up.Photo by(WNDU)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Deanna Gumpf, the all-time winningest coach in Notre Dame athletics history, has announced her retirement. After an impressive 23 seasons as the head coach of the Fighting Irish softball team, Gumpf leaves behind a remarkable legacy with 882 wins.

During her tenure, Gumpf led the team to 21 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and 13 NCAA regional finals. Under her guidance, the Irish secured 11 Big East titles—seven in regular-season play and four in tournament victories. Her exceptional coaching skills earned her five National Fastpitch Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year honors.

Gumpf's journey with Notre Dame began as an assistant coach, a role she held for four years before becoming head coach in 2002. She achieved 18 consecutive seasons with at least 30 wins, a streak only interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Gumpf managed to reach the 30-win mark in 21 of her 22 full seasons.

Last April, Gumpf surpassed Muffet McGraw, the legendary women’s basketball coach, for the most all-time wins in Notre Dame history across all sports.

Beyond her success on the field, Gumpf has made significant contributions to the South Bend community. Under her leadership, the Notre Dame softball program launched the Strikeout Cancer leukemia awareness campaign in 2011, raising over $250,000. The initiative was inspired by Gumpf's personal experience after her daughter, Tatum, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2010. The funds benefit Memorial Children’s Hospital and support children with cancer throughout Indiana.

As Gumpf steps down, Notre Dame has announced the commencement of a national search for her successor. Her retirement marks the end of an era for Notre Dame softball, but her influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.