Alex Ressel (‘06) was the epitome of an athlete that let his play do the talking. He was a leader on the court for the Bulldogs and he now joins several teammates in the Notre Dame Athletics Hall of Fame, including fellow 2022 inductee Abe Dirnberger. 

“It is an honor to be inducted. Notre Dame athletics has a long history of exceptional athletes, and to be mentioned among that group is humbling,” Alex said. 

When Alex thinks of Notre Dame, he said it’s not the many wins he was part of that come to mind. Instead, it’s about what the school represents. 

“High quality Catholic education. The most important part, of course, being the religious aspect of the education,” he said. “In today’s world, more than ever, it is important to instill Christian values in our younger generation. Notre Dame provides excellent religious guidance for the students while still offering the best academic education in the area.”

One thing he does remember and appreciate is playing for the legendary Paul Haul. Alex said he was lucky to be coached by Hale. 

“Winning the Christmas tournament my junior year was a memorable moment,” Alex said. “I recall all of the friends that were made during high school and the good times we had. The many gatherings we had where Brother David would speak.”

The Ressels have a long history at Notre Dame in athletics, and Alex said he’s honored to be a part of that legacy. 

“I am proud of my family and their accomplishments. My siblings were great athletes and I was lucky to be able to watch my siblings throughout their careers and learn from them.”

One of the biggest issues in high school athletics today is whether athletes should play multiple sports. Alex said he wishes younger athletes wouldn’t get focused on one sport because high school is a time to explore different possibilities.

“Many give up on a sport because they think they are not good enough or don’t want to put in the time or effort,” he said. “In the grand scheme of things, a student’s time in high school, and the opportunity to play, is short. There are so many benefits to playing a sport. Later in life, they may regret not trying.”

Alex and his wife, Megan, have two children, Tyler and Ella. Alex works in the family business at Kelso Sales & Service. 

He said when they’re not working, their time is spent running around for different activities with their children.