Breaking News: Notre Dame Guard Crowned USA Female Basketball Player of the Year
In a monumental moment for Notre Dame athletics, a Fighting Irish women’s basketball guard has been named the 2025 USA Female Basketball Player of the Year, marking a historic achievement for both the player and the program.
The prestigious honor, awarded annually to the top-performing American female basketball player, highlights not just individual excellence but also leadership, consistency, and impact on and off the court. The Notre Dame standout has exemplified all of that and more throughout the past year.
Her 2024-25 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Averaging 22.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, she became the heartbeat of Notre Dame’s offense while playing tenacious defense and leading the team to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight. Her clutch play and court vision drew national praise, earning her comparisons to past legends of the college game.
> “She’s a generational talent,” said Head Coach Niele Ivey. “What separates her is her work ethic, poise under pressure, and her ability to lift everyone around her.”
In addition to her on-court performance, the Notre Dame guard also played a key role for USA Basketball, leading the U.S. to gold in international competition, further solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
This award places her among an elite list of past recipients who went on to dominate the WNBA and Olympic stages. WNBA scouts and analysts have already tabbed her as a likely top pick in the next draft class.
Notre Dame fans and alumni are celebrating the recognition, which not only honors an incredible player but also underscores the program’s continued rise under Coach Ivey.
