Notre Dame forward Maddy Westbeld has officially declared for the WNBA Draft, expressing her gratitude to the Fighting Irish community in a heartfelt message.
Maddy Westbeld Thanks Notre Dame Community in Touching Speech After Declaring for WNBA Draft
Notre Dame forward Maddy Westbeld has officially taken the next step in her basketball journey, declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft. Known for her versatility, leadership, and clutch performances, Westbeld has been a standout figure for the Fighting Irish, helping guide the team through some of its most successful seasons in recent years. As she embarks on her professional career, she took a moment to reflect on her time at Notre Dame and express her heartfelt gratitude to the Fighting Irish community that has supported her throughout her college career.
In a moving speech, Westbeld thanked her teammates, coaches, and fans, acknowledging that her journey at Notre Dame was more than just about basketball. She shared how the experiences, friendships, and lessons she gained at Notre Dame helped shape her not only as a player but also as an individual.
“I’ll forever be grateful for my time here, for the opportunity to grow both as a player and a person,” Westbeld said. “The support I’ve received from my teammates, coaches, and especially the fans has been immeasurable. Notre Dame has been my home, and I’ll carry the memories and lessons from this place with me forever.”
Westbeld’s time at Notre Dame was marked by standout performances and leadership. From her early days on the court, she displayed the poise and skill that would define her career with the Irish. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made her a key asset for head coach Niele Ivey’s program. Her leadership was evident both in games and in the locker room, where she set an example for her teammates with her work ethic and unselfishness.
Westbeld’s growth on the court was matched by her growth as a leader off the court. Known for her composed demeanor and unwavering determination, she became a model for the next generation of Irish basketball players. Her decision to declare for the WNBA Draft represents not just a step forward in her basketball career but also a reflection of her personal journey, one that has been shaped by the relationships and experiences she’s had at Notre Dame.
As she moves on to pursue her dream of playing professionally, Westbeld knows her time at Notre Dame will always hold a special place in her heart. “This program has been everything to me,” she continued. “It’s where I learned to be the player I am today, and more importantly, it’s where I learned to be the person I am. I’ll always be a part of the Fighting Irish family.”
Westbeld’s declaration for the WNBA Draft marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. Notre Dame fans and the entire Irish community will continue to support her as she takes the next step in her professional career, confident that her legacy as a leader, teammate, and player will remain a proud part of Notre Dame basketball for years to come.
With the WNBA Draft approaching, Maddy Westbeld is ready to embrace the next phase of her career, knowing that her journey at Notre Dame will forever be a source of strength and inspiration as she competes at the highest level of women’s basketball.
