Several Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Players Earn AP All-American Honors
The Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Program has consistently been one of the elite teams in NCAA basketball. For years, the Fighting Irish have not only been a powerhouse on the court, but they have also nurtured the development of some of the most talented and dedicated players in the history of women’s collegiate basketball. Their remarkable blend of offensive firepower, defensive grit, and team chemistry has garnered national recognition. This season, the team has once again captured the spotlight, and several key players have been honored for their outstanding performances on the national stage.
This year, Notre Dame has received a substantial amount of attention, with multiple players earning prestigious AP All-American honors. These accolades are a testament to the dedication and talent of the Fighting Irish players who have elevated their game to the highest levels in college basketball. For a program that has been synonymous with success, this recognition comes as no surprise but further cements the program’s place at the top of the women’s basketball world.
The AP All-American Selections: A Major Milestone for the Irish
The Associated Press (AP) All-American selections are among the most prestigious honors in college basketball. The honor is given to the top players from across the country, with the first team, second team, and third team selections recognizing the finest performers at every position. To be named an AP All-American is a reflection of a player’s extraordinary talent, consistency, and ability to impact the game at the highest level.
For Notre Dame, it’s a proud moment to see multiple players earn All-American honors in the same season, further affirming the team’s elite status in women’s college basketball. These individual accolades are not only a reflection of the players’ skills but also the collective effort of a program that continues to produce top-tier talent year after year.
Olivia Miles: The Star Point Guard Shines Bright
Olivia Miles, the dynamic sophomore point guard for the Fighting Irish, is one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball. After a sensational freshman year, she has taken her game to even greater heights in her second season, earning First Team AP All-American honors. Miles’ blend of athleticism, court vision, and leadership has made her one of the best point guards in the nation.
Miles is known for her exceptional ability to distribute the basketball, often recording double-digit assist totals while also scoring efficiently. As of this season, Miles has averaged over 12 points per game, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her ability to create plays for herself and her teammates has made her an invaluable asset to head coach Niele Ivey and the Fighting Irish. Her basketball IQ and poise under pressure allow her to control the pace of the game and dictate the flow of play.
What truly sets Miles apart, however, is her impact in crucial moments. She’s a player who thrives in the clutch, able to make big shots, create opportunities in transition, and shut down opposing offenses when needed. Her tenacity on both sides of the ball and her leadership qualities have made her the engine driving Notre Dame’s success. Miles is expected to be a key player for the Fighting Irish as they head into the NCAA Tournament, where her performances will undoubtedly shape the team’s fate.
Maddy Westbeld: The Versatile Forward
Maddy Westbeld, a senior forward, has been a mainstay for Notre Dame, earning Second Team AP All-American honors this season. Westbeld has been the heart and soul of the Irish frontcourt, combining scoring, rebounding, and leadership to consistently help her team succeed. Her ability to stretch the floor, score in the post, and serve as a reliable defender has made her one of the most versatile forwards in the country.
Westbeld’s numbers speak for themselves: she is averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. Known for her basketball intelligence and knack for being in the right place at the right time, Westbeld is often the one to make the crucial plays that shift the momentum of a game. Whether it’s grabbing an offensive rebound, hitting a clutch three-pointer, or locking down an opposing forward, Westbeld has been the model of consistency for the Fighting Irish.
Her leadership and experience have been critical in helping the team stay poised during challenging moments. As a senior, she has embraced her role as a mentor to the younger players, and her ability to balance scoring with playmaking has been integral to Notre Dame’s offense. Westbeld’s Second Team All-American selection is a fitting recognition for a player who has been central to the Irish’s continued dominance.
Dara Mabrey: The Veteran Shooter and Floor Leader
Dara Mabrey, a graduate transfer from Virginia Tech, has provided a veteran presence and a dynamic scoring option for the Fighting Irish. Mabrey’s ability to shoot from deep range and her experience at the collegiate level have made her one of the most effective guards in the nation. She was named to the Third Team AP All-American list for her stellar play this season.
Mabrey’s skill set is built around her deep shooting range and ability to create offense for herself and her teammates. Averaging 13 points per game, Mabrey has been a consistent scoring threat for Notre Dame, particularly from beyond the arc. Her quick release and ability to hit clutch shots have made her one of the most feared perimeter shooters in the NCAA. Beyond scoring, Mabrey has also been an effective ball handler and playmaker, helping to orchestrate the offense when needed.
Her leadership on and off the court has been invaluable, as she has helped guide Notre Dame’s younger players, especially point guard Olivia Miles, and has played a key role in their overall development. Mabrey’s experience, combined with her scoring ability, has made her a crucial part of the team’s success. Earning Third Team All-American honors is a testament to the impact she’s had on the court, and it only adds to her already impressive legacy in women’s basketball.
The Role of Niele Ivey: Shaping a Championship-Caliber Team
While the individual accomplishments of players like Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and Dara Mabrey have garnered national attention, it’s important to acknowledge the role of Niele Ivey, who has been instrumental in shaping Notre Dame’s success. Ivey, a former star player at Notre Dame, took over as head coach in 2020, and she has continued the program’s tradition of excellence.
Under Ivey’s leadership, the Fighting Irish have maintained their high standards of performance, while also developing an up-tempo, exciting brand of basketball. Her emphasis on building strong relationships with her players, cultivating their individual skills, and promoting team-first principles has paid off. Ivey has also proven to be adept at adjusting her strategies and rotations to maximize her players’ strengths, helping them shine in their roles on the court.
Ivey’s coaching has allowed Notre Dame to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving NCAA landscape. With her leadership, the Fighting Irish have remained a perennial contender for national championships, and the development of players like Miles, Westbeld, and Mabrey highlights her ability to foster talent at the highest level.
A Legacy of Excellence at Notre Dame
The recognition of Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and Dara Mabrey as AP All-Americans underscores the tradition of excellence that has been a hallmark of Notre Dame women’s basketball. The Fighting Irish have produced some of the best players in NCAA history, and the current roster is no exception. Notre Dame has established itself as one of the premier programs in women’s basketball, consistently attracting top talent, developing future professionals, and competing for national titles year in and year out.
With players like Miles, Westbeld, and Mabrey leading the way, the Fighting Irish are in position to continue their legacy of success and challenge for another NCAA Championship. Their individual honors are a testament to their skill, dedication, and hard work, but they also reflect the strength and depth of the team as a whole. The recognition of these players as AP All-Americans is just the latest milestone in what promises to be another memorable season for Notre Dame women’s basketball.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Notre Dame?
With these accolades in hand, the Fighting Irish now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament, where they’ll look to continue their strong season and make a deep run toward a national title. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but with players like Miles, Westbeld, and Mabrey leading the charge, Notre Dame has everything they need to make another championship push.
The road to a national title won’t be easy, but as these All-American players have demonstrated throughout the season, they have the talent, drive, and heart to achieve greatness. Whether it’s in the tournament’s high-pressure moments or in the everyday grind of the regular season, Notre Dame is prepared to continue its dominance on the national stage.
As the Irish look toward the future, one thing is clear: the program’s legacy is in good hands.