Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program has been dealt a significant setback with the announcement that sophomore guard Emma Risch will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to a hip injury. Head coach Niele Ivey disclosed that Risch, who had previously undergone hip surgery in January 2024, experienced additional cartilage damage and scar tissue in the same hip, necessitating another surgical intervention. citeturn0search1
Risch’s battle with hip issues dates back to her high school years. As a freshman at Notre Dame, she appeared in only seven games before her initial season-ending surgery. In the current season, she managed to participate in 13 games, averaging 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. Notably, she maintained impressive shooting percentages, hitting 45.3% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. citeturn0search1
Risch’s standout performance this season occurred on December 15, 2024, against Eastern Michigan, where she scored a career-high 23 points, including seven three-pointers. This achievement underscored her reputation as a sharpshooter, a skill that had been highly anticipated upon her recruitment. citeturn0search7
Reflecting on Risch’s potential, Coach Ivey previously stated, “Emma is one of the best shooters I’ve seen in a very long time. She has an incredible IQ, deep shooting range, and elite vision. Her size and ability to score in all three levels separates her and will translate to college basketball immediately.” citeturn0search1
The recurrence of Risch’s hip injury is a significant blow to the Fighting Irish, especially considering her role as a key contributor off the bench. Her absence will be felt as Notre Dame navigates the remainder of the season. The team and fans alike are hopeful for her successful recovery and eventual return to the court.
In the meantime, Coach Ivey and the coaching staff will need to adjust their strategies to compensate for the loss of Risch’s offensive prowess. The focus will likely shift to other players stepping up to fill the void, ensuring that the team’s performance remains at a high level as they pursue their season objectives.
The Notre Dame community extends its support to Emma Risch during this challenging time, anticipating her full recovery and return to the game she excels at.
