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Notre Dame is arguably bringing back their most talented team since 2019. They have four starters returning in Hannah Hidalgo, Sonia Citron, Kylee Watson and Maddy Westbeld. Their All-American point guard Olivia Miles returns to the court which immediately raises their ceiling. Coach Niele Ivey didn’t rest on her laurels, she brought in major frontcourt help in transfers Liza Karlen and Liatu King. Their biggest move, literally, was bringing in number five recruit 6’5 center Kate Koval.
As good as the team has been the last few years, there’s been glaring problems. Health has hurt them more than anything else; Olivia Miles tore her ACL before March Madness in 2023, the same thing happened to Kylee Watson in the ACC Tournament last season. Even the year before that Dara Mabrey got injured late in the season. Health has not been on their side the past few years. They haven’t had a ton of size or depth either which made it even more difficult, and they honestly still had successful seasons.
All of that being said, they’ve managed to have some great things come out of it. Hannah Hidalgo had a historic freshman season, Sonia Citron became definitively their most reliable scorer, and Maddy Westbeld showed she was one of the best power forwards in the country. Their most glaring on-court problem was the frontcourt/center spot last year. The lack of consistency and the injuries definitely didn’t help that.
Electrifying Backcourt
We are finally going to get to see Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles on the court together. Hidalgo stepped up last season and if not for Juju Watkins, runs away with the National Freshman of the Year award. She averaged 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and FOUR steals per game. She had 160 total steals, the next closest player had 135, that is insane for a freshman. She proved that she was equipped to be a lead guard and to play the off guard. It will become even easier now with Miles next to her and Citron still there as well.
Miles is probably the best passer in the country, averaging seven assists per game in her two full seasons. She is the epitome of a pass first point guard, which is honestly something this specific team could really use. She excels in the pick and roll, and with players like Karlen and Koval there the offense could be special. Their creativity and the power of the unknown will be crucial too, defenses will always have to be on their toes when Miles and Hidalgo are on the court together. The halfcourt offense should be miles better wink wink. More consistent shooting from both guards would set them apart as well, it will open the floor for everyone else.
Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld’s Impact
Sonia Citron is one of the most underrated players in the country. She averaged 17 points and five rebounds last season shooting 46% from the field, 36% from the field and 91% from the free throw line. Her quiet nature is one a sleeping giant, because on the court she’s a tireless competitor. The intensity, energy and mentality she plays with is beautiful.
Defensively her instincts and timing are great as well. Citron uses her frame well and is good at getting her hands in passing lanes. She is so calm, cool and collected at all times which is an underrated trait for your best perimeter scorer. Sonia is willing to do it all and steps up every time she’s called upon to play a larger role due to injuries.
Maddy Westbeld is coming off of her best collegiate season in my opinion. While she was good her first three years, the improvement in her senior year across the board was exponential. She averaged 14 points and eight rebounds while shooting 47% from the field, 37% from three and 78% from the free throw line. Maddy was so pivotal to everything they did last season, both offensively and defensively. She was more aggressive on offense, and more consistent. She has always had the ability to create off the dribble, but she was much more efficient last season.
Defensively, her foot speed was better, and her versatility on that end was improved as well. Unfortunately, she will miss the start of the season due to a foot injury but will be back at some point. She has worked hard throughout the offseason, working on her game and habits on and off the court. This is an enormous season for her, as this is her last year, and her WNBA aspirations are there.
Niele Ivey’s Newfound Depth
Liza Karlen and Liatu King add experienced frontcourt play that was sorely needed. Karlen averaged 17 points and eight rebounds for Marquette last year, while King averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds for Pitt. It will be interesting to see what the rotation is with the two of them, Koval, Westbeld and Watson eventually.
King has a smaller frame for her position but is relentless in her effort in the paint. Karlen is a phenomenal mid-range shooter and is tremendous with her feet around the rim. Kate Koval can bring them the size they haven’t had;
I would argue even when they had Lauren Ebo. She runs the floor well, can score in the post and has good vision when she sees multiple defenders. She is a great shot blocker as well and can move her feet laterally. KK Bransford and Cassandre Prosper look to contribute to the backcourt too.
This might be Notre Dame’s best chance to win a National Championship. They have the top end talent, the guard play, frontcourt depth and are relatively healthy. Every player on the roster has the talent to contribute on the court this year.
Niele Ivey has been great for the program, and could really solidify her spot after following Muffit McGraw. Notre Dame should be atop the ACC again, and are hoping to be in Tampa Bay for the Final Four.
