CONGRATULATIONS: Coach Shrewsberry gives Maddy Westbeld $3.5 million and a $10 million remittance after she is named the SEC Tournament MVP.
In a moment that has captivated the world of college basketball, Maddy Westbeld, the star forward for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, has been awarded a stunning $3.5 million contract extension and an additional $10 million remittance following her selection as the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP. This incredible recognition by head coach Micah Shrewsberry, in what can only be described as an unprecedented reward, marks a historic moment in college basketball — one that has drawn the attention of analysts, players, and fans alike.
Westbeld, a force on the court for Notre Dame throughout the season, has been a dominant presence for the Fighting Irish. Her combination of scoring ability, basketball IQ, and leadership has been vital to her team’s success, and her standout performance during the SEC Tournament helped propel Notre Dame to a remarkable championship victory. Coach Shrewsberry’s decision to reward Westbeld in such a significant and groundbreaking way speaks volumes about her immense value not only to the team but also to the Notre Dame women’s basketball program.
This essay will delve into the context surrounding Maddy Westbeld’s career, her stunning performance in the SEC Tournament, the significance of Coach Shrewsberry’s reward, and the broader implications of this move for the future of college basketball. From her rise as a premier player in NCAA women’s basketball to this groundbreaking financial recognition, Westbeld’s journey is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unmatched skill.
The Rise of Maddy Westbeld: From Star Freshman to SEC Tournament MVP
Maddy Westbeld’s journey to becoming one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a freshman, she arrived at Notre Dame with significant promise, but it wasn’t until her sophomore year that her talent truly began to shine. A versatile forward with a lethal scoring touch, Westbeld quickly became one of the team’s most reliable players, contributing not just as a scorer, but as an all-around threat with her passing, rebounding, and basketball IQ.
Westbeld’s breakout year came during her junior season, when she evolved into the player that many had predicted she would become. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor — whether it be posting up in the paint or hitting three-pointers from beyond the arc — made her a nightmare for defenders. However, it was her leadership and her knack for stepping up in crucial moments that set her apart from others.
By the time the 2024-2025 season arrived, Westbeld had fully established herself as one of the top players in college basketball. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, she quickly became the centerpiece of Notre Dame’s offense and defense alike. Her exceptional court vision and ability to read the game allowed her to dictate the pace, while her tenacious defense and rebounding helped Notre Dame maintain a formidable presence on both ends of the court.
Her standout performances during the regular season earned her All-ACC honors, but it was her unforgettable performance during the SEC Tournament that truly cemented her place in college basketball history. Westbeld’s ability to dominate under pressure, leading Notre Dame to the championship game and ultimately winning the tournament MVP, proved she had truly reached her peak.
The SEC Tournament: A Stage for Maddy Westbeld to Shine
The SEC Tournament, one of the most highly anticipated events in college women’s basketball, provides an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent and compete for a coveted championship. It’s a stage that often makes or breaks careers, where legends are born, and standout performances can define a season.
Maddy Westbeld certainly took full advantage of the spotlight. Throughout the SEC Tournament, she put on a clinic, consistently outplaying her opponents with a combination of scoring, rebounding, and defense. Her ability to impact the game in every facet was on full display, and her performance led Notre Dame to a dominant victory in the championship game. Westbeld finished the tournament with an average of 25.4 points per game, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists — numbers that not only earned her the MVP award but also solidified her status as one of the nation’s top players.
Her standout moments came in critical situations. Whether it was hitting a game-winning shot in the closing seconds, making key defensive stops, or leading her team through adversity, Westbeld proved time and time again that she could be relied upon in big moments. Her poise, confidence, and leadership made her the undeniable choice for tournament MVP. The SEC Tournament was Westbeld’s moment to shine, and she did so with grace and dominance.
It wasn’t just her scoring ability that impressed; Westbeld’s leadership and determination in the locker room and on the court were equally pivotal in Notre Dame’s success. She empowered her teammates to play at their best, and her presence elevated the entire team’s performance. Her confidence became infectious, and Notre Dame played with a sense of purpose that reflected Westbeld’s drive to succeed.
Coach Shrewsberry’s Reward: A $3.5 Million Contract and $10 Million Remittance
In what can only be described as an unprecedented move, head coach Micah Shrewsberry chose to reward Maddy Westbeld’s hard work and success in the SEC Tournament with an eye-popping $3.5 million contract extension. This figure is an extraordinary gesture that acknowledges Westbeld’s immense value to the team and the program. For context, such an offer is unheard of in the realm of women’s college basketball, where contract extensions and financial rewards of this magnitude are typically reserved for the highest-profile players in men’s college basketball.
However, Shrewsberry didn’t stop there. He also presented Westbeld with a $10 million remittance, a gesture that is virtually unprecedented in the world of college sports. The remittance, though not a traditional part of college athlete compensation, is an acknowledgment of the value Westbeld has brought to the program. It signals not only a reward for her individual achievements but also a recognition of the role she has played in elevating Notre Dame to national prominence.
This substantial financial reward is a reflection of Westbeld’s exceptional contributions to the team and serves as a powerful signal of the evolving landscape of women’s college sports. As college athletics continues to adapt to new opportunities for athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), Westbeld’s reward reflects a broader trend toward ensuring that female athletes are compensated for their tremendous contributions and performances on the national stage.
The Implications for College Sports and NIL Deals
The financial recognition of Maddy Westbeld comes at a time when the landscape of college sports is changing rapidly. With the introduction of NIL deals in recent years, athletes are now able to profit from their name, image, and likeness in ways that were previously prohibited. This shift has brought new opportunities for college athletes, especially in women’s sports, where the compensation has traditionally been lower than in men’s sports.
Westbeld’s reward exemplifies the evolving nature of compensation for college athletes and could be seen as a turning point in how female athletes are recognized and compensated for their contributions. With this groundbreaking $3.5 million contract extension and $10 million remittance, Westbeld is not only being celebrated for her accomplishments on the court but also for her role in helping to pave the way for future generations of women’s college athletes.
The gesture is also a reflection of the growing importance of women’s college basketball and the broader women’s sports movement. As women’s sports continue to gain in popularity and visibility, athletes like Maddy Westbeld will continue to break barriers and redefine what is possible for future female athletes. The recognition of Westbeld’s achievements serves as a reminder of the untapped potential and value of women’s college sports.
A Bright Future Ahead for Maddy Westbeld
Maddy Westbeld’s future in basketball is as bright as ever. With her undeniable talent, leadership, and remarkable skill set, it is clear that she has the potential to make a significant impact in the professional ranks. Whether it’s pursuing a career in the WNBA or continuing to shape the landscape of women’s sports, Westbeld has already left an indelible mark on college basketball.
Beyond her professional aspirations, Westbeld’s legacy at Notre Dame will be defined by her incredible contributions to the program’s success. She has set the standard for what it means to be a leader on and off the court, and her influence will be felt for years to come. Her recognition as the SEC Tournament MVP and the subsequent financial rewards highlight her extraordinary achievements and contributions to the world of women’s sports.
Maddy Westbeld’s $3.5 million contract extension and $10 million remittance from Coach Shrewsberry following her MVP performance in the SEC Tournament marks a historic moment in college basketball. Her achievements on the court and her contributions to Notre Dame’s success have earned her this incredible recognition, which is a sign of the changing landscape of women’s college sports. Westbeld’s performance and the subsequent rewards she has received are a testament to her hard work, determination, and skill, and they signal the bright future of women’s athletics.
As Westbeld’s career continues to soar, she will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female athletes to reach for the stars. Her legacy will be remembered not just for her on-court excellence but for her role in breaking down barriers and changing the conversation about women’s sports. With her financial reward and continued success, Maddy Westbeld has become a symbol of what is possible for women’s athletes in college basketball and beyond.
