March Madness with Notre Dame Women’s Basketball | Wake Up the Echoes
March Madness is a term synonymous with excitement, intensity, and unrelenting passion. While the men’s tournament often steals the spotlight, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has also become an annual spectacle in its own right, captivating fans and drawing attention to some of the best talent in the country. Among the teams that have consistently been at the heart of March Madness are the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a program with a long history of excellence, championships, and iconic moments.
As Notre Dame women’s basketball gears up for another NCAA Tournament appearance, the anticipation is palpable. The Fighting Irish have been one of the premier programs in the country for decades, and this year, they have once again assembled a roster capable of making a deep run into March Madness. With a blend of experienced veterans, rising stars, and a championship-winning mentality, Notre Dame is poised to make its presence felt on the national stage once again.
The Legacy of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball
Before diving into the current squad’s chances in the NCAA Tournament, it’s important to understand the legacy of Notre Dame women’s basketball. The program, which has been a dominant force in NCAA women’s basketball for over two decades, has a rich tradition of excellence. Since coach Muffet McGraw took over the program in 1987, Notre Dame has seen a transformation into one of the most successful programs in the history of college basketball. Under McGraw’s leadership, the Fighting Irish won two NCAA Championships in 2001 and 2018 and made numerous Final Four appearances.
After McGraw’s retirement in 2020, Niele Ivey, a former standout player for Notre Dame, took over as head coach. Ivey, who had been an assistant coach with the Irish, quickly embraced her new role and has continued to maintain the program’s high standard of excellence. Under her leadership, the Irish have continued to be a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, consistently making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
The tradition of success at Notre Dame isn’t just about championships; it’s about developing players who go on to have successful careers in the WNBA, international basketball, and other professional leagues. Notre Dame has produced numerous stars over the years, including Megan Gustafson, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Loyd, and Arike Ogunbowale, all of whom have achieved great success both in college and beyond.
The Road to the 2025 NCAA Tournament
The road to March Madness is never an easy one, and Notre Dame has had to face some stiff competition throughout the 2024-2025 season. However, the Irish have shown once again why they are one of the most feared teams in women’s basketball. With a roster full of talented players, including several who have already earned All-American honors, Notre Dame has proved that it is capable of going toe-to-toe with the best teams in the nation.
At the heart of the Fighting Irish’s success is Olivia Miles, a sophomore point guard who has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in the country. Miles has been an exceptional floor general for Notre Dame, averaging double-digit points, assists, and rebounds per game. Her court vision, ball-handling, and ability to score in a variety of ways make her one of the most complete point guards in women’s basketball. Alongside Miles, senior forward Maddy Westbeld has been a key player for Notre Dame, providing both leadership and consistent scoring. Westbeld’s ability to stretch the floor, score in the paint, and crash the boards makes her an integral part of Notre Dame’s success.
Another player to watch in March Madness is Dara Mabrey, a veteran guard who has been a significant contributor on both ends of the floor. Mabrey’s shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, has been crucial for Notre Dame’s offensive spacing. With the combination of Miles, Westbeld, and Mabrey, the Irish have one of the most balanced rosters in the country.
In addition to these stars, Notre Dame has a deep supporting cast that can step up at any given moment. Players like Sonia Citron, Katlyn Gilbert, and Natalija Marshall provide Notre Dame with the depth and versatility it needs to compete against top-tier teams. The Irish have the talent and experience to compete at the highest level, and they are poised to make a run in March Madness.
What Makes Notre Dame a March Madness Threat
There are several factors that make Notre Dame women’s basketball a formidable contender in March Madness.
1. Experience and Leadership
One of the key factors behind Notre Dame’s success is its blend of experience and leadership. With players like Maddy Westbeld and Dara Mabrey, who have played in multiple NCAA Tournaments, the Irish have the leadership necessary to navigate the high-pressure moments of March Madness. These veterans understand what it takes to win in the tournament and have the mental toughness required to perform when the stakes are highest.
Additionally, Olivia Miles, though still a sophomore, has already shown that she is more than capable of handling the pressure of big moments. Her ability to take over games, create opportunities for teammates, and perform under duress will be crucial in March Madness. The experience and leadership within the team allow Notre Dame to stay focused and composed, no matter the situation.
2. Depth and Versatility
Notre Dame’s roster is not only filled with talent at the top, but the team also has great depth. Players like Sonia Citron, Katlyn Gilbert, and Natalija Marshall can step up and provide significant contributions when needed. The Irish are capable of playing multiple styles of basketball, whether it’s fast-paced, high-scoring games or physical, grind-it-out affairs. Their ability to adapt to different styles of play makes them unpredictable and tough to match up against.
In addition, Notre Dame has multiple players who can take on different roles within the team. For example, Sonia Citron can play both inside and outside, providing flexibility on both ends of the court. Katlyn Gilbert is an excellent defender who can lock down opposing players, and Natalija Marshall provides a dominant presence in the post. With so many players capable of stepping up in various situations, the Irish have the depth to go far in the tournament.
3. Championship Pedigree
Notre Dame has been to the NCAA Tournament many times, and the program has won two national championships in its history (2001 and 2018). The Fighting Irish have proven time and again that they know how to perform on the biggest stage, and they have the mindset necessary to win it all. The experience of having been to the Final Four multiple times and the knowledge of what it takes to win a national title is invaluable for the players and coaches alike.
Head coach Niele Ivey, who took over from legendary coach Muffet McGraw, has brought a new level of energy and excitement to the program while maintaining the winning culture established under McGraw. Ivey’s familiarity with Notre Dame’s expectations and her experience as a former player have allowed her to connect with her team in meaningful ways, and she has led the Irish back to national prominence.
The March Madness Road Ahead
As March Madness approaches, Notre Dame’s players know the task at hand. While the competition in the NCAA Women’s Tournament is fierce, the Irish have the tools to make a run to the national championship. The team’s success will depend on how well they handle the pressure of the tournament, execute their game plans, and continue to develop chemistry on the court.
The NCAA Tournament can be a rollercoaster ride, with unexpected upsets and thrilling finishes. However, Notre Dame’s combination of experience, depth, and championship pedigree puts them in an excellent position to make a deep run. The Fighting Irish have the talent to beat any team in the country, and their desire to add another national title to the program’s illustrious history is evident.
Wake Up the Echoes: The Notre Dame Tradition
The phrase “Wake Up the Echoes” has become synonymous with Notre Dame’s proud history and tradition. It reflects the program’s commitment to excellence and its unwavering belief in its ability to succeed. This year, the Fighting Irish are ready to wake up the echoes of past greatness and add another chapter to their storied legacy in women’s college basketball.
With a talented roster, experienced leadership, and a championship pedigree, Notre Dame is poised to make some noise in March Madness once again. The echoes of past champions resonate throughout the program, and the Fighting Irish are ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. Whether they’re taking on powerhouse teams or battling in the intense atmosphere of the tournament, Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team has the heart, skill, and determination to go all the way.
As March Madness unfolds, the world will once again be reminded why Notre Dame women’s basketball is one of the most dominant and respected programs in the nation. The Irish are ready to shine on the biggest stage, and they are determined to continue their legacy of excellence in women’s basketball.