In the realm of college women’s basketball, dynasties aren’t just born — they’re meticulously built. Culture. Vision. Recruiting. Execution. It’s a rare cocktail that only a handful of programs can consistently blend, and as of today, the world has taken notice: Notre Dame, led by head coach Niele Ivey, is not just back. They are a big threat.
As of the most recent Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls, Notre Dame has stormed to the No. 2 ranking nationally, trailing only South Carolina in one poll and Connecticut in another depending on the voter sample. Ivey, a former Fighting Irish player, WNBA standout, and one of the most respected minds in women’s basketball, has led Notre Dame to a 22-2 overall record, including a perfect 13-0 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Irish have rattled off 17 straight victories, and perhaps even more impressively, have won most of them in dominant fashion.
It’s not just about the numbers — it’s about the fear this team is striking into the hearts of opponents.
Notre Dame’s Terrifying Identity
Let’s be clear — this is not an overachieving team punching above its weight. This is a well-built juggernaut. Since returning to her alma mater as head coach in 2020, Niele Ivey has transformed the Irish from a team in flux into a fully weaponized program capable of running through powerhouses like NC State, Duke, and Louisville with surgical precision.
The team’s defensive intensity, depth, and discipline have become a hallmark. Under Ivey’s guidance, Notre Dame boasts one of the most efficient offenses in the country while also ranking among the top five nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 54.8 points per game. Their turnover margin is elite, and they crash the glass with the hunger of a team that knows every possession counts.
It’s this two-way dominance that has allowed them to win close battles and crush opponents with equal efficiency. Over the past 17 games, Notre Dame has defeated ranked opponents by double digits, erased late-game deficits with poise, and played with the composure of a Final Four-tested team.
Ivey’s Masterclass in Leadership
What Ivey has done goes beyond tactics. Her leadership — rooted in a deep personal connection to the program — has reinvigorated Notre Dame basketball with a winning culture. Players have bought in, staff have stayed loyal, and top-tier recruits have kept the pipeline rich with talent.
A former point guard for legendary coach Muffet McGraw, Ivey brings a player’s mindset and a professional’s expectations. She demands excellence in preparation and execution, but she also empowers her team with a sense of joy and freedom.
Ivey’s calm demeanor masks a competitive fire. “We’re not here to prove we’re back — we’re here to prove we never left,” she said after the team’s 69–62 win over NC State, a game that symbolized the kind of tough, gritty performances Notre Dame has hung its hat on this season.
The Stars Are Aligning — Literally
Notre Dame’s roster features some of the most dynamic players in the nation. Hannah Hidalgo, the freshman phenom, has emerged as the face of the team. Already being discussed as a first-team All-American, Hidalgo leads the Irish in points and steals, with dazzling speed, relentless effort, and a flair for the dramatic. Her presence has completely shifted the pace at which Notre Dame plays.
Then there’s Sonia Citron, a junior guard who has continued to develop under Ivey into a complete two-way player. Her versatility — the ability to guard multiple positions and knock down shots from anywhere on the court — makes her the team’s X-factor.
Maddy Westbeld, a senior forward, provides the glue. Her leadership and consistency on the interior keep Notre Dame grounded. Her court awareness and unselfish play are reminiscent of Ivey herself.
And don’t overlook the bench. Ivey’s rotations are deep, with sophomore sharpshooter KK Bransford, post presence Natalija Marshall, and emerging talent Emma Risch all contributing significant minutes. It’s this depth that separates Notre Dame from most top-10 teams — they don’t just have a starting five; they have a starting ten.
Dominance in the ACC
Notre Dame’s 13-0 mark in ACC play is their best start in conference history since joining the ACC in 2013. That includes sweeps of traditional rivals like Louisville, Syracuse, and Florida State — programs that are consistently in the NCAA Tournament mix.
But what’s more frightening? The margin of victory. Notre Dame is outscoring conference opponents by an average of 17.5 points per game, and even when challenged late — like in overtime against UNC or in the final seconds versus Virginia Tech — Ivey’s squad has answered the call.
With the ACC Tournament looming, Notre Dame is already assured a top seed and a first-round bye, and they’re the heavy favorites to win the conference crown.
March Is Coming, and So Is Notre Dame
As the postseason approaches, teams are scrambling to prepare for the chaos of March Madness. But there’s a sense around the sport that Notre Dame is peaking at the perfect time. Their chemistry, defensive identity, and star power all translate to tournament success.
Last season’s early exit in the Sweet 16 felt like a learning experience. This year? There will be no settling for second weekend appearances. The expectation is clear: Final Four or bust.
And why not? With the Irish sitting at No. 2 nationally, the only program consistently holding them out of the top spot is South Carolina, a team with its own dynasty aspirations under Dawn Staley. But many analysts believe if Notre Dame and South Carolina meet in Cleveland at the Final Four — it could be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent women’s basketball history.
A Nightmare for the Rest of the Field
The scariest part for opposing teams? This Notre Dame team is built for the long haul.
Hidalgo is a freshman. Bransford is a sophomore. Ivey’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked in the top 3 nationally, and several of her starters are expected to return next season. This isn’t a one-hit wonder team — it’s a budding dynasty that could dominate the next five years of college basketball.
For now, however, all eyes are on the present. With Selection Sunday approaching, every team in the country is watching Notre Dame’s film, trying to find weaknesses. There aren’t many.
Opponents have tried zone, full-court press, slowing down the tempo, and speeding it up. None of it has worked. Ivey’s game-planning has neutralized elite guards, shut down post play, and exploited defensive mismatches.
Every coach in the country will have the same question when the brackets are released: Can anyone stop Niele Ivey’s Notre Dame?
Legacy in the Making
Niele Ivey’s journey from player to coach was always a storybook narrative. But what she’s building now is legacy-defining. In just her fifth season, she’s won a regular season conference title, developed multiple WNBA draft picks, and restored Notre Dame to national prominence.
Now, she’s two wins away from her first 24+ win season, three away from matching the best conference record in school history, and closing in on a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Her name is being whispered in the same breath as coaching icons — Staley, Mulkey, McGraw — and her impact extends beyond the court. She’s a role model, a leader, and a visionary for the future of women’s sports.
As Ivey recently put it:
“When you love something as much as I love Notre Dame, you don’t accept mediocrity. You push. You lead. And you fight like hell for greatness.”
This version of the Irish — ranked No. 2, undefeated in conference play, winners of 17 straight — is the embodiment of that mindset.