Notre Dame women’s basketball head coach Niele Ivey has made a significant addition to her roster by securing former Duke guard Vanessa de Jesus through the transfer portal. This move comes amidst a period of considerable roster changes for the Fighting Irish, with several key players departing and new talent being brought in to maintain the team’s competitive edge.

Notre Dame women’s basketball head coach Niele Ivey has made a significant addition to her roster by securing former Duke guard Vanessa de Jesus through the transfer portal. This move comes amidst a period of considerable roster changes for the Fighting Irish, with several key players departing and new talent being brought in to maintain the team’s competitive edge.

Vanessa de Jesus, a 5-foot-8 graduate transfer, brings valuable experience and leadership to Notre Dame’s backcourt. During her time at Duke, she averaged 3.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. While these numbers may not stand out, her on-court composure and ability to manage the game’s tempo are qualities that Coach Ivey highly values, especially in supporting star guard Hannah Hidalgo.

De Jesus’s commitment is particularly noteworthy as she chose Notre Dame over other prominent programs, including Alabama, Tennessee, and her former team, Duke. Her decision reflects the strong appeal of Notre Dame’s basketball program and Coach Ivey’s vision for the team’s future.

In addition to de Jesus, Notre Dame has bolstered its roster with the acquisitions of forwards Malaya Cowles and Gisela Sanchez. Cowles, a 6-foot-3 graduate transfer from Wake Forest, had a standout season, averaging 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Sanchez, a 6-foot-4 forward from Kansas State, brings international experience and depth to the frontcourt.

These additions are part of Coach Ivey’s strategy to rebuild and strengthen the team following the departure of several key players. Notably, star point guard Olivia Miles transferred to TCU, and center Kate Koval moved to LSU. The team also saw players like Kylee Watson and Emma Risch enter the transfer portal.

Despite these challenges, Coach Ivey remains focused on assembling a cohesive and competitive team. The integration of experienced transfers like de Jesus, Cowles, and Sanchez is aimed at providing leadership and stability, particularly for the younger players on the roster.

The current scholarship players for the 2025-26 season include freshman forward Leah Macy, junior guard Hannah Hidalgo, senior guards Cassandre Prosper and KK Bransford, and the three graduate transfers. This blend of youth and experience is expected to create a dynamic and resilient team.

Coach Ivey’s proactive approach in the transfer portal demonstrates her commitment to maintaining Notre Dame’s status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. By addressing the team’s needs and capitalizing on available talent, she aims to ensure the Fighting Irish remain competitive in the upcoming season.

The addition of Vanessa de Jesus, in particular, is anticipated to have a significant impact on the team’s performance. Her leadership and experience are expected to complement the skills of existing players and contribute to the team’s overall success.

As the team prepares for the 2025-26 season, the integration of new talent and the development of team chemistry will be crucial. With Coach Ivey at the helm and a revitalized roster, Notre Dame is poised to navigate the challenges ahead and strive for excellence on the court.