After the unexpected departure of All-American point guard **Olivia Miles**, the **Notre Dame women’s basketball** program has quickly responded with a major addition via the transfer portal. Head coach **Niele Ivey** and her staff secured a commitment from a **highly coveted transfer guard**, bringing experience, leadership, and scoring to a backcourt in transition.
The new addition — **whose name has yet to be officially released but is expected to be announced shortly** — comes from a Power Five program where she was a multi-year starter. Known for her court vision, perimeter shooting, and ability to defend at a high level, the veteran guard averaged **14.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals** per game last season. Her versatility and leadership are seen as ideal complements to a young and talented Irish roster that still features rising stars like **Hannah Hidalgo** and **Sonia Citron**.
Losing Olivia Miles — a projected top WNBA draft pick before announcing she would turn pro — left a major hole in Notre Dame’s lineup. Miles, a dynamic floor general and the heartbeat of the Irish offense, had not played since a knee injury late in the 2022–23 season but was expected to return for 2024–25. Her decision to enter the WNBA Draft was a surprise to many, including the Notre Dame fanbase. But Ivey and her staff moved quickly and decisively to plug the gap.
“Our program is built on resilience,” said Coach Ivey in a statement. “Olivia’s legacy at Notre Dame is undeniable, and we’re proud of her. But we’re also thrilled to be adding a talented player who understands winning, has experience, and brings great energy to our locker room.”
Notre Dame, coming off a **Sweet 16 appearance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament**, is once again poised to be a contender in the ACC and nationally. The addition of a proven backcourt leader will help stabilize the team’s offense and take some pressure off Hidalgo, who dazzled as a freshman with her scoring and aggressive defensive play.
The new transfer is also expected to contribute immediately as both a scorer and facilitator, providing a calming presence in key moments. Her postseason experience and competitive drive are qualities that align with the program’s high expectations.
With another strong recruiting class set to arrive and a mix of veterans and rising stars, Notre Dame is assembling a roster that can continue its climb back to national championship contention. The loss of a generational talent like Olivia Miles is never easy to overcome, but the Irish are proving they have the depth, strategy, and recruiting strength to stay in the national spotlight.
As the new transfer prepares to don the blue and gold, one thing is clear — Notre Dame isn’t going anywhere. The Irish are reloading, not rebuilding.