In a significant development for the Notre Dame women’s basketball program, head coach Niele Ivey has successfully secured the commitment of the nation’s top transfer from the portal. Former Duke guard, a standout player in the ACC, has decided to join the Fighting Irish for the upcoming season. The decision ends a highly competitive recruiting battle between some of the country’s premier programs, including Alabama, Tennessee, and even her former team, Duke.
This move marks a pivotal moment for Notre Dame as they look to strengthen their roster for the 2025 season. Ivey, who took over the Fighting Irish program in 2020, has quickly established herself as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball. She has already guided Notre Dame to impressive success, and securing a player of this caliber is a testament to her recruiting prowess and the program’s continued growth.
A Strong Recruiting Battle
The transfer portal has become an increasingly important tool for college basketball programs, allowing teams to replenish their rosters with experienced talent. For Notre Dame, the competition for this top-tier player was fierce. Alabama, Tennessee, and Duke all made strong pushes to bring the guard into their programs, with each offering unique opportunities for the player to continue their collegiate career.
Alabama, under head coach Kristy Curry, has steadily built a competitive program and was looking to add a dynamic guard to bolster its backcourt. The Crimson Tide were particularly appealing to players looking for a fast-paced, high-scoring environment, and their growing presence in the SEC made them a serious contender in this recruiting battle.
Similarly, Tennessee, one of the most storied programs in women’s basketball history, was also a top destination for many players entering the portal. Under head coach Kellie Harper, the Lady Vols have remained a national contender, and their reputation for developing elite talent made them a natural fit for a player of this guard’s caliber. With a strong tradition of success and consistent NCAA tournament appearances, Tennessee offered an attractive option.
However, despite the strong interest from both Alabama and Tennessee, the guard ultimately chose to reunite with Niele Ivey, a coach who has already made a significant impact on the Fighting Irish. The appeal of joining a program with a proven track record of success in the NCAA tournament, including multiple Final Four appearances, was simply too strong to ignore.
Why Notre Dame?
For many players entering the portal, choosing a program involves more than just the opportunity to play at a high level. They also consider factors like playing style, coaching philosophy, and the overall environment of the team. For this former Duke guard, Notre Dame checked all the right boxes.
Under Ivey’s leadership, the Fighting Irish have maintained a reputation for playing an up-tempo, exciting style of basketball. Ivey, a former point guard herself with a distinguished playing career, understands the importance of developing guards and allowing them to showcase their skills. This coaching style likely resonated strongly with the player, who has shown an affinity for up-tempo basketball throughout her career.
Additionally, the chance to play for a coach who has already proven herself as one of the top minds in women’s basketball likely played a significant role in the player’s decision. Ivey’s expertise and ability to develop her players both on and off the court have quickly elevated her status in the coaching world, and that reputation undoubtedly contributed to this commitment.
Notre Dame’s ability to offer a high level of competition in the ACC, a program with consistent NCAA tournament aspirations, and the potential to contend for national championships were all factors that likely influenced the decision.
Impact on Notre Dame’s Roster
The addition of such a talented player is a huge boost to the Fighting Irish, who already feature one of the most talented rosters in women’s basketball. With the departure of some key players to the WNBA, Ivey has been focused on bringing in transfers who can contribute immediately and help maintain the program’s national prominence.
The former Duke guard’s experience and skillset will be invaluable to the Fighting Irish backcourt. Known for her versatility and scoring ability, she will provide an immediate offensive spark for Notre Dame. Her ability to create her own shot, as well as facilitate for teammates, makes her a perfect fit for the team’s up-tempo style of play.
With this addition, Notre Dame will now boast a more dynamic and deep roster, giving them a significant edge over other programs in the ACC and beyond. The Fighting Irish will now have even more talent to compete for national titles and cement their status as one of the elite programs in women’s basketball.
Looking Ahead
This commitment is just the latest in a series of successful recruiting efforts by Niele Ivey, who continues to build a powerhouse at Notre Dame. With a highly talented roster that includes both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Fighting Irish will be a team to watch in the upcoming season.
As for the former Duke guard, she is poised to make a major impact at Notre Dame and help lead the Fighting Irish to new heights. The pressure will be on to perform at the highest level, but with her experience and the support of a top-tier coaching staff, there’s no doubt that she will rise to the occasion.
For now, Notre Dame fans can celebrate the addition of one of the top transfers in the country and look forward to what promises to be another exciting seaso
n of Fighting Irish women’s basketball.
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