The University of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program is experiencing significant roster changes as four key players have entered the NCAA transfer portal. This development poses a substantial challenge for head coach Niele Ivey as she prepares for the upcoming season.
Senior forward Kylee Watson is the latest to announce her departure. Watson transferred to Notre Dame from Oregon in 2022 and averaged approximately 6.5 points per game over two seasons. She missed the entire 2024-2025 season due to injury. Her entry into the transfer portal includes a “do not contact” tag, suggesting she may have already chosen her next destination.
Earlier this week, standout guard Olivia Miles also entered the transfer portal, foregoing the WNBA Draft where she was projected as a top pick. Miles, a two-time Second Team All-American, had been instrumental in revitalizing Notre Dame’s performance, averaging 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Her decision to transfer is a significant loss for the team.
Additionally, freshman forward Kate Koval and sophomore guard Emma Risch have opted to transfer. Koval contributed 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Risch averaged 5.7 points per game. Both were considered vital to the team’s future success.
These departures follow Notre Dame’s exit in the Sweet 16, marking a period of significant transition for the program. In addition to the four transfers, key players Sonia Citron, Liatu King, Liza Karlen, and Maddy Westbeld are projected to enter the WNBA Draft. Coach Ivey will likely need to rely heavily on the transfer portal to rebuild the roster and maintain competitiveness in the ACC and on the national stage.
The current trend of player movement underscores the dynamic nature of college basketball, where team compositions can change rapidly. Notre Dame’s ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial in sustaining its prominence in women’s college basketball.
