Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program is experiencing significant roster changes as multiple key players have entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Freshman forward Kate Koval and sophomore guard Emma Risch have recently decided to transfer. Koval contributed an average of 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Risch averaged 5.7 points per game. Their departures come shortly after the announcement that star guard Olivia Miles will also be transferring.
Olivia Miles, previously projected as the No. 2 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, has chosen to utilize her remaining college eligibility by transferring to another program. Her decision has surprised many and has implications for WNBA teams that were considering her in their draft strategies.
These exits pose challenges for head coach Niele Ivey, who is tasked with rebuilding the team’s roster. The recent departures have sparked discussions about the program’s stability and future direction under Ivey’s leadership.
In response to these roster changes, Notre Dame has been active in the transfer market, securing commitments from former Pittsburgh forward Liatu King and former Marquette forward Liza Karlen. King had a standout season, averaging 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, earning her the Most Improved honors in the ACC.
The team also anticipates the return of All-America guard Olivia Miles, who missed the previous season due to injury, along with guards Emma Risch and Cass Prosper, both of whom took medical redshirt seasons. Additionally, 6-foot-5 freshman center Kate Koval, ranked as the nation’s top post player in the 2024 class, is set to join the roster.
Despite these additions, the departure of key players like Koval, Risch, and Miles highlights the challenges Notre Dame faces in maintaining roster stability. The program’s ability to integrate new talent and adapt to these changes will be crucial for its competitiveness in the upcoming season.
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