Notre Dame women’s basketball continues to build for the future—and the present—with another significant addition from the transfer portal. On Friday, the Fighting Irish secured their second commitment of the offseason, landing 6-foot-4 post player Gisela Sanchez. The commitment marks yet another big win for head coach Niele Ivey and her staff, who are reloading an already talented roster that’s expected to contend on the national stage again in 2025.
Sanchez, a native of Madrid, Spain, arrives in South Bend after two productive seasons at the University of Michigan. Her blend of international experience, size, and versatility adds depth to a Notre Dame frontcourt that has needed a boost. Sanchez isn’t just tall—she’s skilled. With a soft shooting touch, high basketball IQ, and the ability to stretch the floor, she offers the kind of versatility that has become a hallmark of elite programs.
Her commitment gives Notre Dame two players out of the portal this spring, signaling a focused, aggressive approach to roster construction. With expectations mounting for a deep NCAA Tournament run next season, Ivey and her coaching staff have wasted no time in bolstering the team with battle-tested experience. The addition of Sanchez complements the earlier portal pickup of another impact transfer, and together, the pair offers Notre Dame a potent mix of size, maturity, and postseason readiness.
During her time at Michigan, Sanchez made steady progress. While she wasn’t always a featured scorer, her impact went far beyond the box score. She brought energy on both ends of the floor, played within herself, and earned the trust of the coaching staff with her ability to rebound, defend, and play smart basketball. As a sophomore, she averaged nearly 5 points and 3 rebounds per game while shooting above 45 percent from the field. In key matchups against Big Ten competition, she held her own against some of the top frontcourt players in the country, displaying a toughness that will serve her well in the ACC.
More importantly, she showed flashes of what could come with expanded opportunity. Whether running the floor in transition, stepping out to knock down a mid-range jumper, or holding her ground in the post, Sanchez played with the kind of confidence and physicality that fits the mold of what Ivey looks for in a frontcourt contributor. She can operate as a traditional post when necessary but is equally comfortable floating out to the perimeter, creating space for guards to attack and opening up the floor in Notre Dame’s motion-heavy system.
Internationally, Sanchez has long been considered one of Spain’s more promising prospects. She played a starring role for the Spanish national team at the youth level, including strong showings in FIBA events that put her on the radar of scouts and coaches worldwide. That experience—playing under pressure, adapting to different styles, and facing elite global competition—has molded her into a poised, fundamentally sound player who rarely makes mental mistakes. She brings that same cerebral approach to every game, and it’s part of what makes her such an intriguing addition to a Notre Dame program that thrives on execution and effort.
Her decision to transfer was not taken lightly. Sanchez enjoyed her time in Ann Arbor and developed strong bonds with her teammates and coaches. But with changes to Michigan’s roster and a desire to explore new opportunities, she entered the portal looking for the right fit—one where she could grow, contribute immediately, and be part of something special. Notre Dame offered all of that and more.
The Fighting Irish, fresh off another strong season that saw them finish near the top of the ACC and earn a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, are aiming even higher in 2025. Led by returning stars and fueled by the hunger to get back to the Final Four, Notre Dame has made it clear: They’re not content to simply make noise. They want to win it all. Adding a player like Sanchez reflects that ambition.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the graduation of some key contributors and the potential for early WNBA departures, the Irish needed to replenish their frontcourt with experience and versatility. Sanchez fits that bill. Her maturity—both as a player and person—will help stabilize a locker room that’s full of young, emerging talent. And her skill set will give Ivey the flexibility to try different lineups, mix and match based on matchups, and keep opponents guessing.
It’s worth noting how well Sanchez’s style meshes with Notre Dame’s system. Under Ivey, the Irish have embraced a modern approach to offense—playing fast, spacing the floor, and leveraging mismatches. Bigs are expected to do more than just post up; they’re asked to pass, screen, shoot, and defend in space. Sanchez has already shown she can do all of those things. She won’t need to be the go-to scorer, but she will have a chance to make a real impact with her all-around game.
Defensively, she brings length and discipline—two qualities Notre Dame values highly. While not an elite shot blocker, she positions herself well, rotates quickly, and contests without fouling. Her ability to defend both in the post and on the perimeter will be crucial, especially in ACC play where mobile bigs are the norm and switches are frequent.
Her presence will also benefit Notre Dame’s young post players. Sanchez’s work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to mentor younger teammates have earned her praise everywhere she’s been. As the Irish look to develop the next wave of interior stars, having someone like Sanchez in the room can accelerate that process. She understands what it takes to play at the Power Five level, she’s competed in big moments, and she knows how to prepare. That leadership—quiet but consistent—will be invaluable.
From a recruiting standpoint, this addition is another sign that Notre Dame remains one of the premier destinations in women’s college basketball. Despite the ever-changing landscape of NIL, conference realignment, and portal movement, the Irish continue to attract top talent. They’ve built a culture rooted in excellence, driven by results, and sustained by trust. Sanchez cited that culture as one of the main reasons for her decision, pointing to the family-like environment and the vision shared by Ivey and her staff.
It’s a vision that seems to resonate across the board. Notre Dame has been aggressive in the portal, but not careless. They’ve targeted specific needs, prioritized fit over flash, and remained committed to player development. That approach has paid off. Last year, it helped them weather injuries and adversity. This year, it may be the difference between a Sweet 16 appearance and a national championship.
With Sanchez on board, the Irish are better positioned to reach their lofty goals. She may not make headlines every night, but she’ll do the little things that win games. She’ll box out, she’ll make the extra pass, she’ll finish through contact, and she’ll keep possessions alive. She’ll also bring a level of maturity that’s often the difference in March.
In many ways, she’s exactly the kind of player Notre Dame needed. Experienced but still growing. Versatile but grounded. Talented but unselfish. The kind of player who fills gaps, elevates those around her, and makes good teams great.
And make no mistake—Notre Dame is aiming to be great. With a Hall of Fame-level coaching staff, a roster loaded with talent, and now two strong portal additions, the Irish are sending a message to the rest of the country: they’re not just trying to keep up with the game’s elite—they intend to lead.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how these new pieces fit together. Chemistry matters, and so does depth. But with the addition of Gisela Sanchez, Notre Dame has taken a major step forward. Her journey from Madrid to Ann Arbor to South Bend is one marked by growth, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, she has a chance to write a new chapter—one that could end with banners, trophies, and a legacy of her own.
Only time will tell what’s next for Sanchez and the Irish. But for now, the message is clear: Notre Dame is building something special, and Gisela Sanchez is ready to be a part of it.