A new era has dawned for the Notre Dame women's basketball team, and it's not just about the changing of seasons. The program has undergone a significant transformation, and the changes are evident from the moment you step into Rolfs Hall.
You won't find the same familiar faces in their usual haunts. The second-floor conference room, once a hub of strategic planning, now echoes with a different energy as the coaches navigate a new season. The practice court and weight room, usually bustling with the daily grind, now host a different cast of characters. Even the locker room, once a bustling hub, now feels like a ghost town, with only a few remaining players donning the iconic "Hi My Name Is..." tags.
But it's not just the physical spaces that have changed. The team's outlook and dynamics have shifted dramatically. A quick glance at the video montage in the lobby, playing on repeat, tells the story. The players who made those layups, grabbed those rebounds, and led the celebrations are now gone. Only Hannah Hidalgo, the all-star guard, remains, and even her presence may not be enough to carry the team this season.
This season promises to be a challenging journey, a far cry from the master class of women's basketball we witnessed last October. It's a return to the basics, a rebuilding process from the ground up. New faces, new roles, and a new resolve permeate the team. Head coach Niele Ivey faces her greatest coaching challenge yet, with a roster that requires extensive teaching and acclimatization to the system.
Last October, practice was a breeze for Ivey and her staff. The veteran players, seasoned in college basketball, made their jobs easier in some ways, but harder in others. They knew their identity and their goals, but ultimately fell short. This season, however, is a different story. There's been a lot of film work, a lot of teaching moments, and a lot of reminders about the high standards of Notre Dame women's basketball.
On a typical mid-October practice day, a simple two-player defensive drill exposed some slippage. Ivey had to step in and address the issues, using strong language to drive her point home. It was a clear message to the team that they needed to step up their game.
"It's almost like we have five new faces," Ivey said, acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead. "Teaching and introducing new terminology is crucial to getting this group up to speed with our system."
Junior guard KK Bransford, who last played in uniform during the spring of 2024, returns to a vastly different team. The last time she was on the Irish bench, Notre Dame was on a 19-game winning streak, ranked No. 1, and eyeing their 10th Final Four appearance. Now, with seven newcomers, including six transfers, the team has a unique blend of intimidation and intrigue.
"We have the opportunity to shape this team as we want," Bransford said. "It's like a blank canvas, and finding our identity has been an exciting process this offseason."
The offseason, however, wasn't all fun and games. Late last season, things started to crumble, and despite their immense talent and camaraderie, the team couldn't prevent the collapse. Ranked No. 1 as late as February, a double overtime loss to North Carolina State marked the beginning of a stunning downfall. Notre Dame lost four of their final eight games, bowed out in the league tournament semifinals, and suffered a Sweet 16 defeat to TCU.
The roster overhaul that followed was unprecedented for a program built on stability. Eight players departed, some to the WNBA, others to the transfer portal. The reasons for the sudden decline remain a topic of debate, but for now, the focus is on moving forward.
"I take full ownership of everything," Ivey said. "The highs and lows are on me. It was disappointing how we ended the season, but I've learned from those experiences. It's helped me grow as a coach."
And grow she must, because this season presents a unique set of challenges and expectations. The standard remains the same: Notre Dame expects to compete and win. However, the reality is that this season's achievements may pale in comparison to the successes of last season. While reaching the Final Four was a possibility last year, this year's goal is a more modest return to the NCAA Tournament.
"We were the team to beat last year," Ivey said. "This year, we're probably flying under the radar. But that doesn't matter to us. Our focus is always on what happens within our locker room."
Notre Dame will give it their all, but the question remains: Will their desire match their ability? The winters here can be unforgiving, and this season may prove to be a cruel one.
So, bundle up, and stay tuned as the Notre Dame women's basketball team embarks on this new journey. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: it promises to be an intriguing ride.
