For the third consecutive season under Niele Ivey, Notre Dame was sent home earlier than wanted from the NCAA Tournament. Each year has resulted in a Sweet Sixteen loss, this time at the hands of Oregon State. Not what anybody in South Bend wanted, especially after earning a two-seed from the selection committee.
Luckily for Ivey, this season’s roster might be her best on paper. Notre Dame is going to have a ton of experience, both with returning players and additions through the NCAA transfer portal. If everyone can stay healthy, Ivey loves the potential the Fighting Irish have.
“My No. 1 goal is to always stay healthy,” Ivey said. “To have that opportunity for everyone to go through the season without any injury. That’s No. 1. But again, on paper, we have the experience, having Olivia Miles back. We have so many pieces that I think can help us be successful. But again, it’s a little bit of luck. I’m excited, we’re hungry, and I feel like I have the right pieces that can help us go further next year.”
Miles figures to be a huge factor for Notre Dame, returning from an injury after missing the entire 2023-2024 season. She is a former All-American, having a career average of 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.8 rebounds per game. Shooting 46.1% from the field is not too shabby either.
Notre Dame was able to have a ton of success without her last season. Getting her back in the mix only makes Ivey’s team that much more dangerous.
Through the portal, former Pitt guard Liatu King and Marquette forward Liza Karlen will play for Notre Dame as graduate students. They both earned All-Conference honors in the ACC and Big East, respectively.
Karlen was the only one of the duo to play in the NCAA Tournament last season, recording a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds while adding four assists in a first-round loss to Ole Miss.
Ivey might say she wants to go further in March 2025 but you have to imagine cutting down a few nets is the ultimate goal. Whether it’s an ACC regular season/tournament title or after winning an Elite Eight game to make the Final Four. Even winning the national championship has to be a thought with this kind of roster.
Staying healthy will be more important than anything, keeping key players in the lineup for the entire season.
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