As the 2025-26 women’s NCAA basketball season approaches, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are undergoing significant roster transformations through the transfer portal, aiming to bolster their competitiveness.
Olivia Miles’ Surprising Transfer Decision
In a move that sent ripples through the basketball community, star guard Olivia Miles entered the transfer portal instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft. A three-time All-American and Nancy Lieberman Award finalist, Miles averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, shooting 40.6% from three-point range. Her decision to transfer has left fans and analysts speculating about her next destination and its impact on Notre Dame’s lineup.
Key Departures and Additions
Following Miles’ departure, other players have also chosen to leave Notre Dame. Graduate student center Natalija Marshall entered the transfer portal, seeking opportunities for her final year of eligibility. Additionally, sophomore guard KK Bransford briefly joined the portal but decided to return to Notre Dame after discussions with Coach Niele Ivey, providing stability to the backcourt.
To counter these losses, Notre Dame has secured several impactful transfers:
- Anna DeWolfe: A graduate transfer from Fordham, DeWolfe brings a wealth of experience, having averaged 17.0 points over her career. Coach Ivey praised her as a “competitive combo guard with an incredible motor,” anticipating that her skill set will seamlessly integrate into Notre Dame’s system.
- Becky Obinma: Joining from Pepperdine, Obinma is expected to enhance Notre Dame’s post presence. She averaged 6.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season, leading the team in rebounding and ranking sixth in the West Coast Conference. Coach Ivey highlighted her “experience, athleticism, and depth to the post position,” expressing enthusiasm about her contributions.
- Liza Karlen and Liatu King: Both forwards bring significant accolades and experience. Karlen, a 6-foot-2 forward from Marquette, averaged 17.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning unanimous All-Big East first-team honors. King, a 6-foot forward from Pittsburgh, was a first-team All-ACC selection, averaging 18.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, making her one of only three ACC players to average a double-double.
Looking Ahead
These strategic additions aim to address the gaps left by departing players and position Notre Dame as a formidable contender in the upcoming season. The integration of experienced transfers alongside returning talent offers a blend of continuity and fresh energy, setting the stage for an exciting 2025-26 season.
