In a city steeped in Fighting Irish tradition, the future just got a little brighter. The Notre Dame women’s basketball program has announced the addition of hometown hero Kelly Ratigan, a dynamic 5-foot-10 combo guard whose local roots and basketball acumen have already made her a household name in Indiana high school basketball. For head coach Niele Ivey, bringing in Ratigan isn’t just a recruitment victory—it’s a homecoming story years in the making.
A South Bend Sensation
Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Kelly Ratigan grew up just minutes from Purcell Pavilion, the cathedral of Notre Dame basketball. The echoes of Arike Ogunbowale’s buzzer-beaters and Skylar Diggins-Smith’s dominance echoed through her childhood. Now, she gets to write her own chapter in the hallowed program.
Ratigan starred at Saint Joseph High School, where she led the Lady Indians to three sectional titles and a state runner-up finish during her junior year. Her court vision, tenacious defense, and explosive first step earned her comparisons to past Irish greats and drew the attention of scouts and fans alike. Over her high school career, she averaged 21.4 points, 6.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game—earning her Indiana All-Star honors and the title of 2025 Indiana Miss Basketball finalist.
But even more than her stats, it was Ratigan’s poise and leadership that set her apart.
“Kelly’s got that old-school grit and new-school polish,” said her high school coach Kristen Sullivan. “She’s a coach’s dream. She’ll outwork you, outthink you, and then hit the big shot when it matters most.”
Hometown Girl Chooses Home
While powerhouse programs from the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten came calling—UConn, Stanford, LSU, and even defending national champion South Carolina—Ratigan never lost sight of her dream: donning the blue and gold of her hometown team.
Her commitment to Notre Dame, announced via a heartfelt video at the South Bend Civic Theater surrounded by friends, family, and community members, brought tears to many eyes. In the video, Ratigan walks through her old elementary school, visits her childhood basketball hoop, and ends with her walking into Purcell Pavilion, saying simply, “I’m home.”
“Notre Dame has always been my dream,” Ratigan said in a post-commitment interview. “I remember sneaking into the back rows at games, just watching in awe. Now, to have a chance to represent my city, my school, and everything this place stands for—it’s a blessing beyond words.”
A Key Addition for a Team on the Rise
Notre Dame women’s basketball is experiencing a renaissance under head coach Niele Ivey. After multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and an Elite Eight finish in 2024, the Irish are poised to make a deep run toward a national title.
With a core that includes Hannah Hidalgo, the electrifying point guard and national freshman sensation, Sonia Citron, Maddy Westbeld, and a loaded frontcourt led by Kylie Watson, the Irish were already considered one of the most balanced teams in the country.
Enter Ratigan—a perfect fit both culturally and strategically.
“Kelly’s game is built for Notre Dame,” said Coach Ivey. “She’s versatile, plays both ends, and brings a level of toughness and basketball IQ you can’t teach. She understands what it means to wear the Notre Dame jersey. She doesn’t just want to be great—she wants to be legendary.”
Ratigan is expected to compete immediately for minutes at both the shooting guard and small forward positions. Her ability to handle the ball and run the offense also gives Ivey valuable backcourt flexibility when Hidalgo needs rest or the Irish want to run a two-guard set.
A Natural Leader
Off the court, Ratigan’s leadership is equally impressive. A 4.1 GPA student and member of the National Honor Society, she’s already been involved in community work through her family’s nonprofit that supports youth sports programs for underprivileged children in South Bend.
“Giving back is part of who I am,” said Ratigan. “Basketball gave me a platform. Now I want to use it to lift others. Coming to Notre Dame means I can impact my community on and off the court.”
Ratigan is also a budding leader in the locker room. Even during her official visit to Notre Dame, multiple current players remarked how naturally she fit in and how quickly she took initiative in team conversations.
“She’s got that ‘it’ factor,” said Hidalgo. “You can tell right away—she’s about winning, about the team, and about making everyone better.”
Bridging Generations
Notre Dame fans are drawing parallels between Ratigan and past local legends. South Bend has produced its fair share of top-tier talent, but none since Skylar Diggins-Smith has entered Notre Dame’s program with this much local buzz.
Skylar herself took to Instagram to shout out Ratigan’s commitment.
“Welcome home @kellyratigan You’re going to LOVE the journey,” Diggins-Smith posted, accompanied by a photo of her own college debut in 2009.
It’s a full-circle moment that bridges generations of Irish basketball. From Skylar to Arike to Olivia Miles to Hannah Hidalgo—and now Kelly Ratigan—the legacy torch continues to be passed.
Community Impact
Ratigan’s arrival has also energized the South Bend community in ways that go beyond basketball. Ticket requests for next season have surged, particularly among local schools and youth programs. Businesses are already lining up to sponsor themed nights celebrating local talent and women in sports.
“This is more than a commitment—it’s a movement,” said Marcus Evans, director of a local youth basketball league. “She’s one of us, and now she’s representing all of us on the biggest stage.”
Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick echoed those sentiments.
“Kelly Ratigan’s story is what college athletics is all about—roots, passion, and purpose. She’s the embodiment of what it means to be a Notre Dame student-athlete.”
What’s Next?
As Ratigan prepares to make the leap to college basketball, she’s already been training with former Irish greats and current WNBA players in preparation for her freshman season. She plans to enroll early for summer workouts and will wear #11, in honor of her late grandfather, who was a Notre Dame season ticket holder for 35 years.
When asked about her goals for her first season, she responded with the kind of humble confidence that’s defined her rise.
“I want to earn my place, contribute however I can, and help this team win a national championship. Every time I step on that floor, I’ll remember where I came from—and why I’m here.”
Kelly Ratigan is more than just a talented recruit—she’s a symbol of possibility, perseverance, and hometown pride. Her decision to stay in South Bend and represent the Fighting Irish is a testament to the strength of Notre Dame’s program and its deep ties to the local community.
In an era when athletes often go far from home to chase opportunity, Ratigan’s path proves that sometimes the most powerful journeys begin right where you started.
As the lights shine bright in Purcell Pavilion next season, don’t be surprised when you hear the roar for No. 11, the local legend turned Irish star. South Bend’s own Kelly Ratigan has come home—and she’s ready to make history.
Projected 2025–26 Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Starting Lineup (with Ratigan):
- PG: Hannah Hidalgo – Sophomore – 5’6″
- SG: Kelly Ratigan – Freshman – 5’10”
- SF: Sonia Citron – Senior – 6’1″
- PF: Maddy Westbeld – Senior – 6’3″
- C: Kylie Watson – Graduate – 6’4″
Bench Depth:
- Olivia Miles (expected return from injury)
- Cass Prosper
- KK Bransford
- Sarah Cernugel (incoming freshman)
- Emma Risch
