Massive Below: 2 more Notre Dame women’s basketball players enter transfer portal

Massive Blow: 2 More Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Players Enter Transfer Portal

The Notre Dame Women’s Basketball program has been a powerhouse in the world of collegiate basketball for decades, consistently competing for national titles and producing elite players. The Fighting Irish, under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey, have enjoyed success in both the ACC and nationally, regularly appearing in the NCAA tournament and making deep runs. The team’s brand of high-intensity, fast-paced basketball has drawn attention from fans and top recruits alike.

However, as with any powerhouse program, challenges are inevitable. Recently, two key players from the Notre Dame women’s basketball team have entered the NCAA transfer portal, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world. The departures of these players could have significant implications for the program moving forward, especially given the expectations Notre Dame has for success in the coming seasons.

In this article, we will examine the details surrounding the transfer portal entries, what led to the departures, the impact on Notre Dame women’s basketball, and what it means for the future of the program. We’ll also discuss how the transfer portal has shaped college basketball in recent years, and why these transfers are becoming more common in an ever-changing landscape.

Who Are the Two Players Entering the Transfer Portal?

As of the latest reports, two notable players from Notre Dame’s women’s basketball roster have made the decision to enter the transfer portal: Maddy Westbeld and Olivia Miles. Both players were integral parts of the team in the previous season and had been expected to play significant roles in the upcoming campaigns.

Maddy Westbeld: A Versatile Forward with Big-Game Experience

Maddy Westbeld, a forward from Kettering, Ohio, was one of the key players for Notre Dame in the past few seasons. Westbeld, who was a standout for the Fighting Irish throughout her career, earned recognition for her versatility, leadership, and consistency on both ends of the floor. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting and her rebounding skills made her a valuable asset to the team, and she was often relied upon to contribute both offensively and defensively.

Westbeld has been with Notre Dame since 2020 and was widely regarded as one of the top players on the team during her tenure. Her experience and leadership made her a key part of Notre Dame’s strong performances in the ACC and on the national stage. With the ability to score both inside and from the perimeter, she was often used as a focal point of the offense.

However, despite her accomplishments and success at Notre Dame, Westbeld has chosen to enter the transfer portal. This has raised eyebrows, especially given her talent and importance to the program. As one of the most decorated players on the roster, her departure is a significant blow to the team’s depth and overall talent level.

Olivia Miles: An Elite Playmaker Who Sparked Notre Dame’s Offense

Olivia Miles, a standout guard from New Jersey, was another key player for the Fighting Irish over the past few seasons. Miles was one of the most dynamic and electrifying players on the team, known for her playmaking ability, vision, and ability to create opportunities for her teammates. A true floor general, she possessed a unique combination of basketball IQ and skill, which allowed her to thrive both as a scorer and as a facilitator.

Miles played an instrumental role in Notre Dame’s offense, often being the one to push the pace and create fast-break opportunities. Her ability to make quick decisions, set up her teammates, and score in transition was a major part of the team’s success in recent years. Her court awareness and leadership abilities made her one of the top point guards in the country, and her potential for future success at the professional level had many fans and analysts excited.

Despite being one of the most promising young players in college basketball, Miles has decided to enter the transfer portal. This decision has left many wondering what factors led to her departure, especially considering her potential to be one of the focal points of the team in the upcoming seasons.

Why Are These Transfers Happening?

While both Westbeld and Miles had significant roles at Notre Dame, the decision to enter the transfer portal is not uncommon in today’s college basketball landscape. The transfer portal, which was formally implemented by the NCAA in 2018, has become an increasingly important tool for athletes who wish to explore new opportunities, whether that means playing time at a different school, a change in coaching staff, or simply seeking a fresh start in a new environment.

There are several reasons why players like Westbeld and Miles might have chosen to transfer, and understanding these factors can provide insight into the broader trends in college basketball recruiting and roster management.

1. Playing Time and Role within the Program

One of the most common reasons players enter the transfer portal is to seek more playing time or a larger role within a program. Both Westbeld and Miles were key contributors to the Fighting Irish, but as college basketball programs evolve, so too do the roles of players. New recruits, changes in coaching strategies, or shifts in team dynamics could all play a part in a player’s decision to seek a change.

While Notre Dame has consistently been a competitive force in women’s basketball, players might be looking for an environment where they can thrive in a more prominent role or take on new challenges. As both players are highly talented, it’s possible that they felt they could contribute more significantly elsewhere or seek an environment that is more aligned with their aspirations.

2. The Impact of the Transfer Portal Era

The expansion of the NCAA Transfer Portal has significantly changed the landscape of college athletics. With the rise of NIL deals and players seeking to find a balance between academics, athletics, and financial opportunities, the transfer portal provides a more flexible path for players to explore new schools and programs.

The rise of the transfer portal has made it easier for players to make mid-career moves in pursuit of greater opportunities, whether that means more playing time, a better fit for their playing style, or even the potential for a larger NIL deal. For Westbeld and Miles, the allure of these opportunities in the portal may have outweighed their current situation at Notre Dame.

3. Program Changes and Coaching Staff Shifts

Changes within a program’s coaching staff or overall team culture can also influence a player’s decision to transfer. Notre Dame has had a strong and stable coaching staff under head coach Niele Ivey, but even the most successful programs can experience changes in strategy, player roles, or team dynamics that affect individual players’ decisions. For instance, the recruitment of new players who play similar positions or the introduction of new systems could have made both players reassess their fit within the program.

Additionally, as a player moves through their college career, the fit between the coach’s vision and their own aspirations becomes increasingly important. Players may seek a system or coaching staff that aligns more closely with their development goals and playing style.

The Impact of These Transfers on Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

The departures of Westbeld and Miles will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Notre Dame women’s basketball program. Both players played essential roles in the team’s success, and their absence will leave a void in terms of leadership, scoring, and playmaking ability.

1. Loss of Experience and Leadership

Westbeld, in particular, was a veteran presence on the team. Losing a player with her experience, leadership, and basketball IQ could create a gap in terms of on-court communication, mentorship for younger players, and overall team chemistry. In addition to her skill set, Westbeld provided stability and consistency for the team, both in practice and in games. Her absence will put more pressure on the remaining players to step up and assume leadership roles.

Similarly, Miles’ playmaking ability was a huge asset for Notre Dame. Without her as the primary facilitator and floor general, the team may need to rely on other players to step into the point guard role, which could require adjustments in offensive strategy and team dynamics. Miles’ vision and leadership were instrumental in creating offensive opportunities, and her departure will undoubtedly affect the flow of the offense.

2. Recruiting and Team Adjustments

In the aftermath of these transfers, head coach Niele Ivey and her staff will have to adjust their strategy moving forward. The team will likely have to focus on recruiting players who can fill the void left by Westbeld and Miles, both in terms of skill and leadership. The addition of new players will be critical to ensuring that the Fighting Irish can maintain their competitiveness in the ACC and nationally.

Moreover, Notre Dame will need to assess their roster’s overall depth. The team’s success in the upcoming season will depend on the ability of younger players to step up and assume larger roles, while also maintaining team chemistry and cohesion.

3. Effect on Recruiting Strategy

The departures of two key players will likely have ripple effects on Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy moving forward. As the team searches for new players to replace Westbeld and Miles, it may turn to the transfer portal itself to fill those gaps. With the rise of transfer portal entries across college athletics, Notre Dame may focus on finding experienced players who can immediately contribute, while also prioritizing high-level high school recruits.

The Bigger Picture: The Transfer Portal and College Sports

The increasing reliance on the transfer portal in college basketball has become a major topic of conversation in recent years. For programs like Notre Dame, which have traditionally relied on stability and continuity, these transfers can be particularly jarring. However, in today’s environment, the transfer portal offers an invaluable tool for both players and programs to adjust, adapt, and improve.

As college basketball continues to evolve, the transfer portal is likely to play an even more significant role in shaping rosters, altering team dynamics, and influencing the future of the sport. Programs that embrace this new reality and successfully navigate the portal will be better equipped to remain competitive in an increasingly fluid landscape.