Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team has ascended to the pinnacle of college basketball, securing the No. 1 spot in both the NCAA Tournament Committee’s Top 16 reveal and the Associated Press Top 25 poll. This marks the first time since 2019 that the Fighting Irish have achieved such a ranking.

 

The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee unveiled its Top 16 teams on Sunday, positioning Notre Dame as the fourth overall seed and one of the coveted No. 1 seeds. The announcement coincided with a home game against No. 11 Duke, providing a unique opportunity for the team and its supporters to celebrate the achievement together. Head coach Niele Ivey recounted the moment during her postgame press conference:

 

> “My heart was beating fast on that one because it’s never happened for us. The embrace and the cheers, that was different. This group, we’ve never experienced that. So, I thought that was a special moment.” citeturn0search1

 

The Fighting Irish validated their top-seed status by defeating Duke 64-49, improving their overall record to 22-2 and maintaining an unblemished 13-0 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This victory not only bolstered their resume but also solidified their standing among the nation’s elite teams.

 

The following day, the Associated Press released its latest Top 25 poll, with Notre Dame ascending to the No. 1 position for the first time in six years. The Irish garnered 16 first-place votes from the 30-member national media panel. Coach Ivey expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment while emphasizing their commitment to continuous improvement:

 

> “It’s definitely an honor to be the nation’s top team, but we are just focused on getting better every day.” citeturn0search4

 

Looking ahead, Notre Dame faces a challenging schedule to close out the regular season. The team will embark on a two-game road trip, facing Miami and No. 13 NC State, before returning home to host Florida State and Louisville. Maintaining their current form will be crucial as they aim to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a milestone yet to be achieved under Coach Ivey’s leadership.

 

The recent accolades and victories have undoubtedly energized the program, but Coach Ivey and her squad remain focused on the tasks ahead. Embracing the moment, she reflected on the significance of the team’s recent achievements:

 

> “That’s a special moment I’ll always have with this team.” citeturn0search1

 

As the postseason approaches, the Fighting Irish are poised to make a deep run, driven by their recent successes and the unwavering support of their fans.