Dec. 6, 2004

The national champion Notre Dame women’s soccer team made its triumphant return to campus early Monday night, completing a long day that saw the journey home delayed five hours due to weather. Perhaps it was fitting that a season that stretched nearly four months – and one that began with a 24-hour trek down to Brazil, for the successful preseason training trip – would not come to an end without one more long travel day.

The Irish were greeted at the Main Circle by a spirited crowd of wellwishers that included students, faculty, staff and members of the local community. Senior tri-captain Melissa Tancredi and head coach Randy Waldrum made brief remarks to the crowd, thanking them for their season-long support. The team members also enjoyed time visiting with the wellwishers and participated in one final rousing pregame dance to their favorite song, “Celebrate.”

See the corresponding photo gallery for images from the welcome-home reception (including one suprising “twist” that capped the historic season).