Under the leadership of head coach Niele Ivey, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team is experiencing a transformative era, marked by strategic recruitment and the development of elite talent. A pivotal moment in this journey was the commitment of Kate Koval, a 6-foot-5 center from Ukraine, who was ranked as the nation’s No. 1 prospect in 2023. Koval chose Notre Dame over other top programs, including defending national champion LSU, Stanford, and Miami. citeturn0search4

 

Koval’s decision to join the Fighting Irish underscores Coach Ivey’s dedication to building a championship-caliber team. Ivey, a former Notre Dame point guard and WNBA player, has been instrumental in revitalizing the program since taking over from the legendary Muffet McGraw in 2020. Her tenure has been marked by a return to national prominence, with the team achieving a 19-game winning streak and securing the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. citeturn0news11

 

The 2024-2025 season began with high expectations, as Notre Dame was ranked No. 6 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, their highest preseason ranking since 2018-19. The team’s roster boasts a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers. Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo has emerged as a standout performer, delivering a remarkable 24-point game in an upset victory over No. 3 USC. Her dynamic play, characterized by defensive tenacity and scoring prowess, has been pivotal in the team’s success. citeturn0news19

 

Hidalgo’s partnership with fellow guard Olivia Miles has created a formidable backcourt duo. Miles, who returned this season after recovering from an ACL injury, brings leadership and versatility to the team. Their combined efforts have propelled Notre Dame to an undefeated record and a rise to No. 3 in the AP poll. citeturn0news19

 

The frontcourt is bolstered by veteran forwards such as Maddy Westbeld, Liza Karlen, and Liatu King, providing the team with depth and experience. The integration of top freshman recruit Kate Koval into this seasoned lineup has added a new dimension to the team’s dynamics. Koval’s presence in the paint offers both offensive and defensive advantages, making the Fighting Irish a well-rounded and formidable opponent. citeturn0news15

 

Coach Ivey’s strategic vision extends beyond player development; her commitment to rigorous recruitment has been evident since her early days as head coach. In 2022, she traveled to Debrecen, Hungary, to scout elite prospects at the FIBA Women’s U17 Basketball World Cup, demonstrating her dedication to securing top talent for Notre Dame. citeturn0search2

 

The Fighting Irish’s schedule reflects their ambition, featuring matchups against eight teams ranked in the preseason AP Poll. This challenging lineup is designed to prepare the team for postseason success and to solidify their standing among the nation’s elite programs. The combination of seasoned leadership, emerging stars, and strategic planning positions Notre Dame as a formidable contender in women’s college basketball. citeturn0news15

 

As the season progresses, the Fighting Irish continue to embody the resilience and excellence that have become synonymous with Notre Dame women’s basketball. Under Coach Ivey’s guidance, the team is not only aiming for immediate success but is also building a foundation for sustained excellence in the years to come.

 

navlistNotre Dame Women’s Basketball: Recent Highlightsturn0news11,turn0news19,turn0news21