What if a championship-caliber team like Notre Dame's women's basketball squad had to rebuild almost from scratch—could they still dominate the court?
As we hit the middle of October, the excitement is building because college basketball season kicks off in just a couple of weeks. It's a thrilling time for fans, coaches, and players alike, with preseason rankings starting to stir the pot. And speaking of stirring things up, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's team has landed at number 15 in the latest AP preseason poll (you can check out the full list here: https://www.wndu.com/2025/10/14/notre-dame-womens-basketball-ranked-no-15-preseason-ap-top-25-poll/). Now, this ranking comes with a twist: their roster is packed with fresh faces this year, making it a fascinating challenge for the squad.
To put this in perspective, last season was a highlight reel for Notre Dame—they advanced all the way to the Sweet 16, which, for those new to college hoops, means they made it to the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament, a significant achievement that showcases their talent and determination. But here's the shocker: out of that entire team, only two players are back this year. Leading the charge is Hannah Hidalgo, who earned the prestigious title of Preseason ACC Player of the Year (more on her accolades here: https://www.wndu.com/2025/10/14/notre-dame-womens-basketball-star-hannah-hidalgo-named-acc-preseason-player-year/) and was named a two-time First Team AP All-American—basically, she's been recognized as one of the best players in the country. Joining her is Cass Prosper. And don't forget KK Bransford, who returns after taking a redshirt year last season, which means she sat out to focus on training and gaining eligibility.
But here's where it gets controversial—can a team thrive with such massive turnover, or is this a recipe for early-season struggles?
Beyond these returning stars, Notre Dame has welcomed five new Division I transfers to round out the lineup. These players bring their own experiences from other top programs, which could inject new energy, but it also means a lot of adjusting for everyone. With so many changes, the primary goal right now is strengthening team chemistry during these preseason practices. Think about it: building trust, understanding each other's playing styles, and syncing up on the court isn't easy, especially when half the team is brand new.
Head coach Niele Ivey, a seasoned leader in women's basketball, sheds light on the process. "It’s a lot of teaching," she explains. "I personally did a lot of teaching early on. So, practices sometimes involve a ton of film sessions, and on the court, it's all about instructing—pre-practice, within practice, it's like we have five entirely new faces to integrate."
She emphasizes relying on the core group for guidance: "I’ve really leaned on our veterans to help out. Hannah, KK, and Cass have been incredible leaders, bringing the most experience from my program. But it’s still a ton of teaching—introducing new terminology and getting everyone up to speed with our system."
And this is the part most people miss: how do you balance a reliance on transfers with building a cohesive unit? Is this the smart way to stay competitive, or does it dilute the team's identity?
The Fighting Irish are gearing up for action, starting with an exhibition game on October 30 against Purdue Northwest, a chance to test the waters without the pressure of official standings. Then, they'll officially open the season at home on November 5 against Fairleigh Dickinson.
This overhaul raises intriguing questions: Will the new transfers seamlessly blend in, or could the lack of continuity lead to an unexpected dip in performance? Some might argue that embracing change keeps the team fresh and adaptable, while others worry it risks losing that championship magic. What do you think—does Notre Dame's bold roster shake-up spell success, or is it a gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree, and maybe even your predictions for the season!
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