In a season where parity and chaos have defined the women’s college basketball landscape, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have emerged as a singular, unrelenting force. Behind the fearless leadership of head coach Niele Ivey, Notre Dame has risen to the No. 2 ranking in both the Associated Press and Coaches Poll, carving out a dominant 22-2 overall record. Their unblemished 13-0 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play, combined with a 17-game winning streak, has made them the most dangerous team in America—and arguably, the biggest threat to the top spot heading into the postseason.
From the outside, it looks almost too easy. But Ivey’s dominance is anything but accidental. It’s the culmination of relentless recruiting, tactical innovation, and an unwavering belief in the Notre Dame culture. Now, with just a few games left in the regular season, the Irish are not only chasing an ACC title—they’re hunting for a national championship.
The Ivey Effect
When Niele Ivey took over the reins from Hall of Famer Muffet McGraw in 2020, she inherited a program rich in tradition but facing uncertainty. While McGraw had led the Irish to two national championships and nine Final Four appearances, her departure signaled a new era—and with it, plenty of pressure.
Ivey responded in full force.
A former Notre Dame point guard herself and an assistant under McGraw for several years, Ivey already knew the DNA of the program. But instead of just maintaining it, she modernized it. She integrated NBA-level scouting and analytics from her brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. She pushed for pace, spacing, and positionless versatility. Her teams began to reflect her own playing style: cerebral, athletic, and absolutely fearless.
This season, that blueprint has been executed to perfection.
Dominance Defined: 22-2 and Counting
The numbers tell a dominant story. Notre Dame’s 22-2 record includes wins over multiple Top 25 opponents, including statement victories over UConn, Virginia Tech, and Louisville. Their two losses—early season setbacks against elite competition—now seem like distant memories, mere speed bumps on a highway of dominance.
Offensively, the Irish have become a juggernaut. Averaging over 80 points per game, Notre Dame ranks in the top five nationally in field goal percentage and assists. Their transition game is lethal, turning missed shots and steals into lightning-quick scores. Defensively, they’re just as dangerous—long, switchable, and active, making every possession a battle.
But what truly separates this team is their relentlessness. Down by double digits? No problem. Facing top-10 opponents on the road? Business as usual. Their 17-game winning streak includes a mix of blowouts and gritty comeback wins—a testament to their resilience and composure.
ACC: Irish Rule the Kingdom
The ACC is no cupcake conference. With programs like NC State, Louisville, and Virginia Tech perennially in the mix, it’s one of the toughest leagues in women’s college basketball. Yet Ivey’s Irish have made it look like child’s play.
At 13-0 in ACC play, Notre Dame has outscored opponents by an average of 16 points per game. They’ve swept rivals and silenced doubters, establishing clear superiority. Their offense clicks with stunning fluidity, while their defense suffocates opposing stars with high-pressure traps and stifling closeouts.
Key wins include a thrilling overtime victory at NC State and a convincing road win at Duke. Perhaps most impressive, however, was their 76–58 dismantling of Louisville—an annual measuring stick game for the Irish, who sent a message to the rest of the league: this is our year.
Star Power: Hannah Hidalgo and Friends
A team can only be as dominant as its personnel allows—and this year’s Notre Dame roster is absolutely loaded.
Leading the charge is Hannah Hidalgo, the freshman phenom who’s quickly become the most electrifying player in college basketball. Hidalgo combines elite ball-handling, court vision, and a scorer’s mentality that belies her youth. She leads the team in scoring, steals, and swagger—already drawing comparisons to legends like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Arike Ogunbowale.
Yet Hidalgo isn’t doing it alone. Sonia Citron, the veteran guard, provides stability and clutch shot-making. Maddy Westbeld anchors the paint with her rebounding and inside scoring, while Cassandre Prosper offers length and defensive versatility on the wing. Every player has bought into Ivey’s system, and it shows.
Their chemistry is palpable. Whether it’s sharing the ball, rotating on defense, or celebrating on the bench, the Irish play for each other. And with Hidalgo’s star rising fast, they’ve become must-see TV.
Nightmare Fuel for the Nation
It’s not just that Notre Dame is winning—it’s the way they’re winning. The Irish dismantle teams in waves, turning a five-point lead into a 20-point rout in mere minutes. They pressure ball handlers, crash the glass, and push tempo with controlled aggression. They shoot well, defend even better, and rarely beat themselves.
For opposing coaches, they are a nightmare matchup. Hidalgo’s speed makes zone defenses nearly obsolete. Their shooters force man-to-man coverage, which opens up the driving lanes. And on defense, their switching and length create havoc.
Even more terrifying? They’re peaking at the perfect time.
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, there’s a growing sense that this could be the team to beat. South Carolina and Stanford remain in the conversation, but Notre Dame’s blend of experience and youthful explosion has created the ideal storm.
Championship Pedigree: Back with a Vengeance
Notre Dame fans have long dreamed of a return to the Final Four, and now those dreams are more tangible than ever. Since their 2018 national title, the Irish have endured some rebuilding years. But under Ivey, the turnaround has been swift and surgical.
She’s recruited with precision, signing blue-chip prospects like Hidalgo and pairing them with seasoned veterans. She’s also fostered a culture of accountability and growth, where player development is prioritized and leadership is cultivated.
Her players aren’t just stars on the court—they’re ambassadors for a program rich in tradition, now infused with fresh energy and a modern edge. And as the pressure mounts, Ivey’s calm confidence has become the team’s emotional compass.
What Comes Next?
The road ahead is paved with opportunity—and danger. With a top seed in the ACC Tournament all but locked up, the Irish will aim to capture the conference crown before shifting their sights to the NCAA Tournament.
Their goals are clear:
- Finish the ACC regular season undefeated — a feat only a handful of teams in league history have accomplished.
- Win the ACC Tournament — which would solidify their No. 1 seed credentials.
- Make a deep NCAA run — ideally to Cleveland for the Final Four and, perhaps, a national championship.
But Ivey and her players know better than to get ahead of themselves. March is unpredictable. One cold shooting night or one injury could change everything. That’s why their focus remains sharp—and why their commitment to detail remains unshaken.
Legacy in the Making
If this season ends the way Irish fans hope it does, it will be remembered as one of the greatest in Notre Dame women’s basketball history. But regardless of the final result, it’s already clear that Ivey’s impact is monumental.
She’s proven that she’s not just the heir to Muffet McGraw—she’s a legend in the making, forging her own legacy with each win, each speech, and each player she mentors.
Notre Dame isn’t just back. Notre Dame is terrifying.
They’re the big threat everyone hoped would fade—and instead, they’re only getting stronger.
Final Thoughts
As the rest of the nation prepares for March Madness, one question looms large: who can stop Notre Dame?
So far, no one in the ACC has found an answer. And with Hidalgo running the show, Ivey pulling the strings, and a locker room full of hungry warriors, it’s hard to see any team cracking their code.
From South Bend to the national stage, Notre Dame women’s basketball is once again the standard.