NEW HISTORY: Notre Dame Gets the Job Done and Wins Women’s Pentathlon National Championship! Jadin O’Brien Becomes First Notre Dame WBB Since 2018 to Win Both Regular Season and National Championship
In an unforgettable season for Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program, history was made as the Fighting Irish secured the coveted Women’s Pentathlon National Championship. But the celebration didn’t stop there. Jadin O’Brien, a standout star for the team, etched her name into the annals of Notre Dame athletics, becoming the first player since 2018 to capture both the regular season title and the national championship in the same season. Her incredible performance, combined with the collective efforts of her teammates, culminated in an achievement that Notre Dame fans will remember for years to come.
The journey to this historic championship was one that was both thrilling and transformative for the team. From dominating the regular season to overcoming fierce competition in the postseason, Notre Dame demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and undeniable talent. But it was O’Brien’s exceptional performances that truly put the team over the top, earning her a place among the program’s greats.
The Road to Glory: Notre Dame’s Season of Dominance
The 2024-2025 season for Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team started with high expectations. After a solid campaign the previous year, the Fighting Irish were primed to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament, and this time, they were determined to finish the job. Head coach Niele Ivey and her coaching staff, bolstered by a roster filled with dynamic talent, knew that this was the season they had been working toward.
O’Brien, in particular, had a standout regular season, showcasing her versatility, high basketball IQ, and leadership. Her ability to contribute in every aspect of the game—scoring, passing, defending—made her an invaluable asset to the team. Throughout the regular season, she played a crucial role in Notre Dame’s success, helping the Irish to an impressive record. But as they entered the postseason, O’Brien’s skills would be put to the ultimate test.
As the team entered the Women’s Pentathlon National Championship competition, the energy surrounding the program reached a fever pitch. The Pentathlon Championship, a multi-event competition that tests the overall abilities of players in various disciplines, had long been a prestigious event in women’s collegiate sports, and Notre Dame had a strong history of success in it. The national championship was within reach, but it would require an extraordinary effort from everyone on the team.
Jadin O’Brien: A Star Rewrites History
Jadin O’Brien’s contributions to the Fighting Irish’s national championship run were nothing short of legendary. Her performances throughout the Pentathlon Championship were nothing short of spectacular, setting the stage for what would be a historic win for both her and the team.
O’Brien’s versatility was on full display during the Pentathlon, as she dominated in multiple events. Whether it was her smooth shooting stroke, her ferocious defense, or her poise under pressure, O’Brien’s complete game became the driving force for Notre Dame’s success. Her ability to perform in clutch moments, particularly in high-stakes games, earned her accolades from coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
Her leadership on and off the court was a key factor in guiding the Irish to victory. O’Brien’s ability to inspire and motivate her teammates was critical during the high-pressure moments of the championship tournament. It was clear that her influence went beyond just her scoring ability—she was the glue that held the team together in moments of adversity.
With O’Brien leading the charge, Notre Dame rolled through the competition in the Pentathlon Championship, facing fierce teams that tested their limits. Her contributions in key games, including her leadership in the final match that secured the title, were a testament to her status as one of the premier players in college basketball. By the end of the tournament, it was clear that O’Brien was not only the heart of the Fighting Irish team but also the main reason they stood tall as the national champions.
Historic Achievement: Notre Dame’s First Championship Since 2018
For Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program, this championship marked an especially significant moment. The Fighting Irish had not won a national title since 2018, and after a few seasons of near-misses and heartbreaks, the victory was a sweet and long-awaited accomplishment. The 2024-2025 season was the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and perseverance, and O’Brien’s efforts symbolized the resilience and spirit of the program.
Notre Dame’s victory was not just a personal achievement for O’Brien, but a collective triumph for the entire team and coaching staff. The Fighting Irish had been through ups and downs, but they remained a top-tier program throughout. With Ivey leading the way, Notre Dame continued to develop young talent, refine its strategies, and build a culture of excellence. The national championship win was a validation of all their efforts.
For O’Brien, who joined the Fighting Irish as one of the top recruits in her class, this title was the crowning achievement of her college career. Having already won the regular season title earlier in the year, her double victory made her one of the most decorated players in recent Notre Dame history. Her name will forever be associated with the golden era of Irish basketball, a period marked by a national championship and unparalleled success.
The Team Behind the Title: Contributions from Every Player
While O’Brien was undoubtedly the star, the victory was also a testament to the depth of talent on the Notre Dame roster. The entire team contributed to the championship win, with key performances from other players who stepped up in critical moments.
For instance, fellow starters and role players alike played significant roles in both the regular season and during the championship. From sharp shooters who knocked down crucial three-pointers to defensive stoppers who neutralized opponents’ top scorers, every player on the team had a part to play in Notre Dame’s successful run. The chemistry and unselfishness that permeated the roster were evident at every turn, and the sense of unity among the players helped carry them to the championship.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Niele Ivey, also deserves immense credit for orchestrating the team’s championship run. Ivey’s leadership has been a key factor in the program’s resurgence in recent years, and this championship win is a direct result of her vision, tactical acumen, and dedication to developing her players. She built a winning culture at Notre Dame, instilling values of discipline, hard work, and team-oriented play.
Looking Ahead: What This Victory Means for Notre Dame
This national championship win will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program. The victory not only affirms the team’s status as one of the premier programs in college basketball, but it also provides a strong foundation for the future. With O’Brien’s leadership and the strong recruiting efforts of Coach Ivey, the Fighting Irish are poised to continue competing at the highest level for years to come.
For recruits, the success of this team shows that Notre Dame is a place where championships are possible, and the program is primed to attract top talent from across the country. The 2024-2025 national championship will be remembered as a turning point for Notre Dame women’s basketball, and it has set the stage for sustained excellence.
As for Jadin O’Brien, her legacy at Notre Dame is now firmly cemented. She is a national champion, a player who achieved the rare feat of winning both the regular season and national championships in the same year, and a player whose name will go down in history as one of the greatest to ever wear the Fighting Irish uniform. Her leadership, talent, and unwavering dedication to the team will inspire future generations of Notre Dame players, ensuring that her impact on the program is felt for years to come.