FIGHTING IRISH ON THE RISE: Boundless Potential Awaits as Notre Dame Women’s and Men’s Basketball Prepare for Their Next Chapter.
The future is looking brighter than ever for Notre Dame basketball. Both the women’s and men’s programs are poised on the edge of something special, driven by strong leadership, elite talent, and a renewed hunger to restore the Fighting Irish to national prominence. As the 2025 season approaches, there is a palpable energy in South Bend, with fans, players, and coaches alike believing that boundless potential awaits. This is not just about chasing wins. It’s about building sustainable success, developing student-athletes, and embracing the values that have long defined Notre Dame athletics: excellence, integrity, and heart.
For the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, the foundation of success is already in place. Under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey, the program has steadily climbed back to the level that made it a powerhouse during the Muffet McGraw era. Ivey, a former star point guard for the Irish and a longtime assistant under McGraw, understands better than anyone what it takes to win in South Bend. Her vision blends the traditions of the past with a forward-thinking approach that embraces modern basketball’s pace, versatility, and skill development.
Last season, the Irish women showcased flashes of brilliance, including statement wins over ranked opponents and a deep run in the ACC Tournament. The team’s growth was evident as younger players gained valuable experience and veterans stepped into leadership roles. Now, with a roster loaded with returning talent and elite newcomers, Notre Dame is positioned to compete with the nation’s best.
Central to that optimism is the return of star guard Hannah Hidalgo. As a freshman, Hidalgo took the college basketball world by storm, dazzling fans with her quickness, court vision, and relentless defense. Her ability to take over games in crucial moments gave Notre Dame an edge in tight contests, and her leadership is expected to grow even stronger in her sophomore season. Paired with seasoned players like Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld, Hidalgo and the Irish boast one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country.
But the talent doesn’t stop there. Notre Dame’s incoming recruiting class is among the most highly regarded in the nation. Ivey and her staff have secured commitments from several blue-chip prospects who bring size, athleticism, and skill to an already formidable roster. The infusion of fresh talent promises to elevate the level of competition in practice and provide the depth necessary to endure the grind of a long season. It’s clear that Ivey has created a culture where top recruits want to be, drawn by the opportunity to contribute to a storied program on the rise.
Equally important is the chemistry and camaraderie that define this team. The players talk often about their love for Notre Dame and their commitment to each other. That bond is evident on the court, where the Irish play an unselfish brand of basketball that emphasizes ball movement, defensive intensity, and resilience. These qualities will be critical as Notre Dame aims to navigate a challenging non-conference slate and the always competitive ACC schedule.
For the men’s basketball team, a new era is also taking shape. Under head coach Micah Shrewsberry, who took over the program last year, there is a sense of optimism and renewal. Shrewsberry, known for his basketball IQ and player development skills, has injected fresh energy into the program. He has spoken at length about his desire to build a team that reflects the university’s values—hard-working, disciplined, and committed to doing things the right way.
In his first season at the helm, Shrewsberry laid the groundwork for what he hopes will be sustained success. The Irish showed resilience and growth throughout the year, competing hard even when facing adversity. The season featured encouraging performances from young players who gained valuable minutes and demonstrated their potential to be building blocks for the future.
One of those rising stars is guard Markus Burton. The local standout quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his fearless style of play, ability to create offense, and willingness to take on big moments. With a year of experience under his belt, Burton is poised to take another leap forward, providing leadership on and off the court. He’ll be joined by a group of returners who have embraced Shrewsberry’s vision and are eager to help turn the program around.
Like the women’s team, the men’s squad will benefit from an influx of new talent. Shrewsberry and his staff have worked tirelessly on the recruiting trail, landing commitments from players who fit the program’s philosophy and can contribute immediately. Whether it’s length on the wing, toughness in the paint, or sharp-shooting from the perimeter, the Irish are assembling a roster designed to compete at a high level in the rugged ACC.
Perhaps what’s most exciting about both programs is the shared sense of purpose. The coaches, players, and support staff understand that Notre Dame basketball represents more than just wins and losses. It’s about representing one of the most respected institutions in the nation with pride and dignity. It’s about developing young people who will succeed on the court and in life. And it’s about building a community that rallies behind its teams, creating an atmosphere in Purcell Pavilion that makes South Bend a tough place for opponents to play.
Off the court, both programs are making significant strides as well. Community engagement initiatives, academic achievement, and leadership development remain priorities. Notre Dame student-athletes continue to excel in the classroom, earning conference and national recognition for their academic accomplishments. They also dedicate time to service projects, youth clinics, and outreach efforts that embody the spirit of the university’s mission.
The future of Notre Dame basketball will not be without challenges. The ACC is one of the toughest conferences in the country, with elite programs that test even the most talented teams. Injuries, growing pains, and the natural ups and downs of a long season will present obstacles. But what sets the Irish apart is their resilience and their belief in the process. Both Ivey and Shrewsberry have built cultures that emphasize growth, accountability, and perseverance—qualities that will serve their teams well in the battles to come.
Fans can expect a brand of basketball that is fun to watch and easy to support. The women’s team will continue to play at a fast pace, using their speed and skill to create scoring opportunities while locking down opponents on defense. The men’s team will pride itself on toughness, execution, and making the most of every possession. Both squads will strive to represent Notre Dame with class and competitiveness, earning respect across the college basketball landscape.
As the new season approaches, excitement is building in South Bend. Ticket sales are strong, preseason buzz is growing, and expectations are rising. The players are hard at work in the gym, focused on sharpening their skills and building chemistry. The coaches are refining game plans, studying film, and preparing their teams for the challenges ahead. And the fans are ready to fill Purcell Pavilion, wearing their blue and gold with pride and cheering their teams on every step of the way.
The potential for Notre Dame basketball is boundless, and that is what makes this moment so special. With talented rosters, passionate leadership, and a united community, the Fighting Irish are ready to take the next step. Whether it’s deep tournament runs, signature victories, or simply playing the game the right way, Notre Dame basketball is on the rise—and the best is yet to come.
