Honestly, if you're looking at the notre dame women's basketball roster right now, you might feel like you need a spreadsheet just to keep track of the exits and entrances. It’s been a wild year in South Bend. We aren't just talking about a few graduation ceremonies; we are talking about a fundamental shift in how Niele Ivey is building this program.
The biggest thing people get wrong? They think losing stars like Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron means the Irish are in a "rebuilding" phase. That’s just not true. It’s a re-tooling around a singular, generational force: Hannah Hidalgo.
The Anchor of the Backcourt
Let’s talk about Hidalgo. Basically, she is the sun that this entire solar system orbits around. As of January 2026, she is leading the ACC in scoring and pacing the entire country in steals. She recently dropped 44 points on Akron and somehow managed to swipe 16 steals in that same game. 16. That’s an NCAA Division I record.
You’ve probably heard the rumors or the "what ifs" about whether she and Olivia Miles could have shared the floor for another year. The reality is that Miles is now lighting it up at TCU, and Hidalgo has the keys to the car at Notre Dame. It's her team.
Who Else is Stepping Up?
With the big names gone, the supporting cast has had to grow up fast. Cassandre Prosper has been the biggest surprise for most casual fans. Her scoring has jumped nearly 180% compared to her first few years. She isn't just a "3-and-D" player anymore; she’s a legitimate secondary scoring option who is pulling down seven boards a night.
Then you have the vets. Iyana Moore and Vanessa de Jesus provide that steady hand you need when you're playing in hostile environments like Storrs or Durham.
- Hannah Hidalgo (G): The engine. A walking triple-double threat who refuses to let anyone dribble past her.
- Cassandre Prosper (F): The breakout star. High-energy, elite athleticism, and finally finding her shooting touch.
- Malaya Cowles (F): A transfer from Wake Forest who has plugged a massive hole in the frontcourt. She's averaging double figures and playing physical ball.
- KK Bransford (G): The glue player. She does the dirty work—rebounding from the guard spot and defending the opponent's best wing.
The Frontcourt Puzzle
The notre dame women's basketball roster looks a bit different down low this year. Losing Kate Koval to LSU and Kylee Watson to Villanova (and then unfortunately to another injury) left some fans panicking. Ivey countered by bringing in Malaya Cowles through the portal.
It’s a different look. They are faster. They are playing a much more up-tempo, "pest-like" defense. Instead of a traditional back-to-the-basket center, they are using mobility to frustrate teams. It worked against USC earlier this season, and it’s why they’re still sitting comfortably in the top 25 despite the roster turnover.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Influx
If you think the current roster is interesting, wait until you see who is coming next. Niele Ivey just signed what might be her best recruiting class ever. We are talking about Five-star shooting guard Jacy Abii and a slew of four-stars like Jenica Lewis, Amari Byles, and Bella Ragone.
The strategy is clear: surround Hidalgo with elite wings and shooters for her senior season.
Why the "Expert" Projections Were Off
Coming into the 2025-26 season, a lot of people had the Irish finishing middle-of-the-pack in the ACC. They saw the "Out" list—Citron, Miles, Westbeld—and assumed the ceiling was low.
What they missed was the development of the "bench" players from last year. When you play behind All-Americans, you don't get the touches. Now that the floor is open, players like Prosper are showing they were always this good; they just didn't have the volume.
Practical Takeaways for Irish Fans
If you’re watching the Irish this month, keep an eye on these specific dynamics:
🔗 Read more: Who is Auburn Playing: A Real-Look at the 2026 Schedule
- Hidalgo's Minutes: She plays a lot. If she gets into foul trouble, the offense can stall. Watch how de Jesus handles the point when Hannah sits.
- The ACC/SEC Carryover: The win against Ole Miss earlier in the season proved this team can handle size. Look for them to replicate that defensive pressure against bigger ACC teams like NC State.
- Transition Points: This roster is built to run. If they aren't scoring 15+ points on the break, they’re struggling.
The notre dame women's basketball roster isn't a finished product, but it’s a dangerous one. They might not have the name recognition of the 2018 title team yet, but they have the heart—and the best point guard in the country.
Next Steps for Following the Irish:
Check the updated ACC standings to see how the Irish compare to undefeated conference leaders, and verify the tip-off time for the upcoming rivalry game against UConn, as these marquee matchups often move to primetime slots.