Notre Dame Women’s Basketball strengthens its roster by adding forward Milaya Cowles from the transfer portal, boosting depth and talent.

In the world of college basketball, particularly in women’s sports, the transfer portal has become an essential tool for coaches and teams to build their rosters. For Notre Dame Women’s Basketball (WBB), the portal has played a crucial role in allowing the program to continue its success in the competitive world of NCAA women’s basketball. On April 12, 2025, the program made an exciting move by adding forward Milaya Cowles from the transfer portal, marking a significant addition to the roster as they look to continue their championship aspirations.

Cowles’ decision to transfer to Notre Dame was met with excitement and optimism, not just from fans, but from the coaching staff, who see her as a pivotal player in bolstering the team’s depth and talent. Her commitment reflects a major step for Notre Dame as they look to maintain their position as one of the premier women’s basketball programs in the country.

Milaya Cowles: A Closer Look

Milaya Cowles comes to Notre Dame after a standout career at her previous institution, where she quickly made a name for herself as a dynamic and versatile forward. Her athleticism, size, and ability to play both inside and outside make her an ideal fit for Notre Dame’s fast-paced and multifaceted offense. At her previous school, Cowles averaged double-digit points and rebounds, earning all-conference honors and garnering attention from several top-tier programs.

One of Cowles’ standout qualities is her ability to contribute in various facets of the game. She’s a formidable rebounder, averaging nearly 10 rebounds per game, which speaks to her ability to dominate the glass. Her versatility allows her to stretch the floor with a respectable outside shot while also being able to power her way inside. This blend of skills gives her the potential to be a key player for the Irish in both the short and long term.

“I’m beyond excited to join such a prestigious program,” Cowles said in her announcement. “Notre Dame’s tradition of excellence, both on and off the court, is something I’ve always admired, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to this team’s success. I can’t wait to get started and help the team achieve great things.”

Cowles’ decision to transfer to Notre Dame was influenced by several factors, including the chance to play under one of the most respected coaches in the sport, Niele Ivey. Ivey, who took over the program in 2020, has quickly established herself as a rising star in women’s basketball coaching. Under her leadership, Notre Dame has continued its legacy of success, and the addition of Cowles to the roster is a testament to the growth and development of the program.

The Transfer Portal: A Game Changer for Notre Dame

The transfer portal has revolutionized college basketball, allowing players to move from one program to another with fewer restrictions. For Notre Dame, the portal has been a valuable resource in recent seasons. The Irish have been able to attract talented players like Cowles, who can immediately contribute to the team. In a competitive landscape where elite programs like UConn, South Carolina, and Stanford are constantly reloading their rosters, the transfer portal has enabled Notre Dame to remain competitive by adding players who can make an instant impact.

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball has long been a program known for its ability to recruit and develop elite talent. From Hall of Fame coach Muffet McGraw to current head coach Niele Ivey, the program has consistently produced championship-caliber teams. The Irish have a rich history of success, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and national championships. By using the transfer portal effectively, Ivey has been able to enhance her roster without sacrificing the program’s commitment to building a strong team culture.

The addition of Cowles is a strategic move by Ivey and the coaching staff to strengthen an already competitive squad. Cowles’ versatility as a forward adds depth to the Irish’s frontcourt, which will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the ACC and the NCAA Tournament. Her experience, combined with her ability to play both as a scorer and a defender, brings a new dynamic to the Irish lineup.

How Milaya Cowles Fits into Notre Dame’s Roster

Notre Dame’s Women’s Basketball team has been one of the top programs in the country, and the addition of Cowles only adds to the team’s depth. As of now, the Irish already boast a talented roster, featuring experienced players like Olivia Miles, a star guard and one of the top players in the country, and Maddy Westbeld, a versatile forward. With Cowles in the mix, the team’s frontcourt becomes even more formidable.

Cowles’ ability to play both inside and outside is particularly important for a team that thrives on a balanced offensive attack. Her range on offense makes her a potential mismatch for opposing defenders. At 6’3″, Cowles has the size to post up in the paint, yet she can also stretch the floor with her perimeter shooting, making her a versatile threat. This will allow Notre Dame to play a more dynamic style of basketball, with multiple players who can score from anywhere on the court.

In addition to her offensive skills, Cowles is known for her tenacity on defense. Her ability to guard multiple positions will give Notre Dame flexibility in their defensive schemes. With her length and athleticism, Cowles can contribute both as a rim protector and as a disruptor on the perimeter. Her rebounding ability will also be a crucial asset, as Notre Dame will look to dominate the boards in both offensive and defensive situations.

For Coach Ivey, Cowles’ versatility is a key component in creating a balanced and well-rounded team. “Milaya is a player who can impact the game in so many ways,” Ivey said. “Her ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches on offense, combined with her ability to defend multiple positions, is exactly what we need to keep building toward our goals. I’m excited to see what she can do for us.”

The Impact on Notre Dame’s National Championship Aspirations

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball has consistently been in the mix for national championships, and the addition of Cowles enhances the team’s ability to contend for a title in the upcoming seasons. With Cowles joining the roster, the Irish now have a deeper, more talented lineup that can compete with the best programs in the country.

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is one of the most competitive in college sports, with teams like UConn, South Carolina, and Stanford regularly vying for national titles. However, Notre Dame has the pedigree to compete at the highest level. With key players like Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and now Milaya Cowles, the Irish have the depth, talent, and experience to make a deep run in the tournament.

Notre Dame’s blend of experienced players and newcomers is a recipe for success. As Cowles settles into her new role with the team, the Irish will look to build chemistry and cohesion, crucial elements for a championship-contending squad. The pressure is always high for a program with Notre Dame’s history, but with the addition of Cowles, the team’s title aspirations have only grown stronger.

The Future of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

Milaya Cowles’ decision to transfer to Notre Dame is just one piece of the puzzle for a program that has a bright future ahead. With a strong recruiting pipeline and a talented coaching staff led by Niele Ivey, the Irish are poised to continue their success in the years to come. Cowles’ addition strengthens the team’s chances for a national title in the near future and sets the stage for continued excellence in women’s college basketball.

For Cowles, the transfer to Notre Dame represents an opportunity to take her game to the next level, compete for championships, and develop under a coach who has proven to be one of the best in the country. Her move to Notre Dame signals the beginning of a new chapter in her career, one that could culminate in a national title and further elevate her status as one of the top players in college basketball.

In conclusion, the addition of Milaya Cowles to Notre Dame Women’s Basketball is a major victory for the program. As the Irish continue to build on their rich legacy of success, Cowles will play a key role in helping the team reach new heights. With her talent, versatility, and determination, Cowles is sure to make a significant impact in South Bend, and Notre Dame fans have much to look forward to as the team heads into the 2025-2026 season.