Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Dynamos Shine in National Honors

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team has been a beacon of excellence in collegiate athletics for many years. Over the decades, the program has consistently delivered high-level performances, secured national titles, and nurtured future WNBA stars. As the team continues to evolve under the leadership of head coach Niele Ivey, the Fighting Irish have built a dynasty that rivals the best in NCAA history. Their success isn’t just evident in their championship trophies but in the recognition they’ve earned across national basketball circles. This season, Notre Dame’s players are receiving an overwhelming amount of recognition for their hard work and performances, marking another chapter in a rich history of success.

A Historic Season for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, the Notre Dame women’s basketball team has taken college hoops by storm. Whether on the defensive end, in the post, or from the perimeter, the team has been a force to be reckoned with. Their high-octane offense combined with lockdown defense has put them in contention for not just a conference championship but also a deep run into the NCAA tournament.

This year’s team, brimming with talent, leadership, and grit, has been particularly impressive. The squad is not only highly ranked nationally but has produced several standout individual performances that have resulted in national recognition. There are clear stars on this team, but there is also an evident collective strength that has propelled the Irish to national prominence.

Among these stars are Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and Dara Mabrey, who have all earned various national accolades. Each player brings something unique to the table, whether it’s scoring, playmaking, defense, or leadership, and together they have formed a unit that is impossible to ignore in the NCAA landscape.

Olivia Miles: The Dynamic Floor General

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame’s sophomore point guard, has been one of the most electrifying players in the country. With her blend of speed, agility, and basketball IQ, Miles has made an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Her ability to facilitate the offense, drive to the basket, and hit critical shots has made her a vital piece of the Fighting Irish’s success.

Her performance this season has earned her a spot as one of the top point guards in the country. Miles has accumulated several All-American honors, including recognition from the Associated Press and the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). Her statistics are staggering: averaging over 12 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. What makes her even more special is her ability to create opportunities for her teammates. Miles is often seen leading fast breaks, orchestrating the offense, and making difficult passes that leave defenders scrambling.

Perhaps what makes Miles stand out the most is her confidence. At such a young age, she has exhibited leadership qualities that are rare for underclassmen. Her poise on the court, ability to control the tempo, and make clutch plays in high-pressure moments have drawn comparisons to some of the best point guards in NCAA history. As the season progresses, the sky is the limit for Miles, and she looks to lead Notre Dame to another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Maddy Westbeld: A Power Forward with Versatility

Senior Maddy Westbeld has been another driving force for the Irish. The All-American forward has been a consistent presence in the post and on the perimeter, proving herself as one of the most versatile players in the game. Her ability to score in the paint, stretch the floor, and rebound makes her a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Westbeld has been particularly exceptional in crunch-time moments. Her ability to score with her back to the basket, hit mid-range jumpers, and crash the boards has made her indispensable to head coach Niele Ivey. This season, Westbeld is averaging over 15 points and 8 rebounds per game, while maintaining efficiency both offensively and defensively. She is consistently named to All-ACC teams, and it’s no surprise that she’s earned All-American honors once again this year.

Beyond her statistics, Westbeld’s leadership and experience have been crucial in Notre Dame’s success. As one of the senior leaders of the team, she has mentored younger players, especially Olivia Miles, and served as a stabilizing force throughout the season. Westbeld’s combination of experience, leadership, and skill has earned her recognition not just in Notre Dame’s camp but throughout the NCAA.

Her contributions to the team go beyond the box score. Westbeld has been a vocal leader, guiding her teammates in tough situations and setting the tone with her competitive spirit. With the potential to play professionally, her future is bright, but for now, her focus is squarely on helping her team secure a national title.

Dara Mabrey: The Senior Leader

Dara Mabrey has become synonymous with Notre Dame basketball over the past several seasons. A graduate transfer from Virginia Tech, Mabrey made an immediate impact on the Fighting Irish program, becoming one of the team’s best shooters. This season, her leadership, shot-making ability, and veteran presence have been invaluable assets to the team.

Mabrey has earned All-ACC honors this season, averaging over 13 points per game and leading the team in three-pointers made. Her ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for her teammates has made her an essential part of Notre Dame’s offensive attack. Mabrey’s quick release and deep range have made her a constant threat on the perimeter, and she is often tasked with knocking down key shots in high-pressure moments.

Mabrey’s journey to Notre Dame has been a testament to her resilience and work ethic. She played a key role in the Virginia Tech program before transferring to Notre Dame, and her experience at both the collegiate and international levels has helped her adjust to the high demands of playing for a national powerhouse like Notre Dame. Mabrey is expected to be a top candidate for All-American recognition at the end of the season, solidifying her place among the best players in women’s basketball.

National Recognition: What the Honors Mean for Notre Dame

The individual accolades earned by Miles, Westbeld, and Mabrey are a testament to their immense talent, but they also highlight the strength of the Notre Dame women’s basketball program as a whole. The recognition that these players have received from national media outlets, coaches, and analysts reflects the program’s continued commitment to excellence.

Notre Dame’s success has not just been about individual stars, but about developing a team-oriented culture that prioritizes both offense and defense. The team’s ability to balance these elements has made them one of the most formidable programs in the country. The consistent national recognition that the program has received is a direct reflection of head coach Niele Ivey’s leadership and her ability to cultivate a winning culture.

As these players continue to collect honors throughout the season, it’s clear that the Fighting Irish are one of the favorites to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Their combination of experienced players like Westbeld and Mabrey, alongside young stars like Miles, makes them an incredibly well-rounded team.

The Legacy of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

The continued success of the Notre Dame women’s basketball program, including this season’s national honors, is a direct result of the program’s storied history and its ability to evolve with the times. Notre Dame has a rich tradition of developing championship-caliber teams, and this year’s team is poised to add to that legacy.

From the early days of the program to the current era under coach Niele Ivey, Notre Dame has consistently produced talented players who have gone on to make their mark on the national and international stages. The current crop of players, led by Miles, Westbeld, and Mabrey, represents the next wave of elite talent to come out of South Bend. Their performances have cemented Notre Dame’s place at the top of women’s college basketball, and they continue to inspire future generations of players to follow in their footsteps.

As the season progresses and the team heads into March Madness, the national recognition of these players has set the stage for what could be another memorable tournament run. The Notre Dame women’s basketball team is a force to be reckoned with, and as these dynamos continue to shine, there’s no telling just how far they can go.

A Bright Future for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

The future of Notre Dame women’s basketball looks incredibly bright. With stars like Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and Dara Mabrey leading the charge, the program is positioned for sustained success on the national stage. Their national honors are a reflection of their dedication, hard work, and talent, and they are more than deserving of the recognition.

As the team continues to evolve and bring in new talent, the legacy of Notre Dame women’s basketball is in excellent hands. These current dynamos are writing their own chapter in the program’s storied history, and with the continued support of their coaches, teammates, and fans, the Fighting Irish are poised to remain one of the most successful teams in women’s college basketball for years to come. Congratulations to Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and Dara Mabrey for their well-deserved honors, and to the entire Notre Dame women’s basketball program for its continued excellence on and off the court.