Done Deal: Notre Dame’s Niele Ivey Land Nation’s Top Portal Tranfer, Former Dukes Guard Commit Fighting Irish Women’s Basketball Over Alabama, Tennessee and

In a monumental victory for Notre Dame women’s basketball, head coach Niele Ivey has secured the commitment of the nation’s top transfer, former James Madison University (JMU) star guard, Alana Rivers. The elite scorer and dynamic playmaker chose the Fighting Irish over a long list of suitors, including Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and UConn, marking a major coup for a Notre Dame program already surging under Ivey’s leadership.

The move, which many insiders are calling a “game-changer,” not only bolsters the Irish’s backcourt with a proven All-American-caliber talent but also signals Notre Dame’s growing dominance in the transfer portal era of women’s college basketball. Rivers, who averaged 21.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game last season at JMU, enters South Bend with two years of eligibility remaining and the expectation of being a cornerstone in Notre Dame’s quest for another national title.

Here’s a comprehensive look at how Ivey and Notre Dame pulled off this blockbuster acquisition, what it means for the team moving forward, and how Rivers’ presence could alter the balance of power in women’s college basketball.

At 5-foot-10, Alana Rivers is a lethal combination of scoring finesse, court vision, and relentless competitiveness. Originally a top-40 recruit out of high school, she chose James Madison for the opportunity to be the centerpiece of a mid-major program. And she delivered.

From the moment she stepped on the court for the Dukes, Rivers dazzled. She broke the program’s freshman scoring record, became a three-time All-Conference selection, and led JMU to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Last season, her 40-point explosion against a top-seeded Virginia Tech in the NCAA second round—despite the team’s loss—put her firmly on the national radar.

Rivers enters Notre Dame with a reputation as one of the most polished guards in the country, capable of scoring at all three levels, running an offense, and taking over games in clutch moments. Beyond the numbers, her swagger and leadership presence make her a perfect fit for the championship culture Ivey is building in South Bend.

While programs like Alabama and Tennessee made compelling pitches to land Rivers, the former Dukes star cited a few key reasons for her decision to commit to Notre Dame:

There’s no denying that Ivey has become one of the most respected names in women’s basketball coaching. A former WNBA player and national champion as a Notre Dame point guard, Ivey connects deeply with today’s players—especially elite guards like Rivers.

“Coach Ivey just gets it,” Rivers said in her commitment announcement. “She understands what it takes to be great, and she saw me not just as a scorer but as a leader. I wanted to be part of something bigger, and I trust her to help me grow in every way.”

Ivey’s track record with guard development—most recently with Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron—was also a major factor. Rivers reportedly had lengthy conversations with both players during her visit, and those conversations helped solidify her belief that Notre Dame was the right environment to elevate her game.

Notre Dame’s up-tempo offense and commitment to spacing and freedom were a perfect match for Rivers’ skill set. At JMU, she carried a heavy offensive load, often drawing double-teams and fighting through stagnant sets. At Notre Dame, she’ll have more space to operate—and more talent around her to ease the burden.

Pairing Rivers with returning stars like Citron, Hannah Hidalgo, and center Kylee Watson creates one of the most dangerous offenses in the country. Notre Dame is now armed with a guard trio capable of putting up 70 points on any given night.

Notre Dame’s history in women’s basketball is rich and revered. From Muffet McGraw’s dynasty to Ivey’s emerging era, the Irish offer a national spotlight that few programs can match. Rivers made it clear: she wants to win on the biggest stage, and Notre Dame gives her the best chance.

Landing Rivers didn’t happen overnight. Niele Ivey and her staff played the long game.

When Rivers entered the portal, Notre Dame made immediate contact but didn’t pressure. Assistant coach Michaela Mabrey, who oversees perimeter development and recruiting, established the early connection, emphasizing Notre Dame’s system, the role Rivers could play, and the team’s culture of accountability and trust.

Over the next month, Ivey herself took over communication, traveling to meet Rivers’ family, reviewing film with her remotely, and even inviting her to sit in on a few Notre Dame team Zoom sessions. According to sources, the level of engagement and transparency from the Irish coaching staff stood out compared to other suitors.

Then came the visit.

During her official trip to South Bend, Rivers reportedly connected instantly with the team. She worked out with Hidalgo and Citron, toured the campus with Ivey, and spent time discussing academic support and career development with university staff. The final pitch? A film session breaking down how Ivey would use Rivers in the Irish offense—showcasing cuts, reads, and transition opportunities drawn directly from her JMU tape.

“She left that visit saying, ‘This is home,’” a source close to Rivers shared. “It wasn’t about flash or NIL—it was about basketball and belonging.”

The addition of Alana Rivers instantly transforms Notre Dame’s roster—and the ACC landscape.

Assuming returning health for Olivia Miles (ACL recovery) and the continued rise of Hidalgo and Citron, the Irish now boast a backcourt trio that rivals any in the country. Rivers is expected to play both on and off the ball, with Hidalgo likely continuing her role as the lead facilitator.

In lineups where Miles returns fully healthy, Notre Dame could deploy a devastating four-guard attack that stretches defenses and forces mismatches all over the court. Rivers’ size also allows her to guard bigger wings, giving Ivey tremendous flexibility in her rotations.

Other notable pieces like freshman sharpshooter Brooklyn Miles, wing Amirah Rose, and the steady presence of Watson in the post create the type of depth championship teams need.

Make no mistake: Notre Dame just became a legitimate favorite to win the 2025 NCAA championship.

In a landscape where talent is scattered and continuity is rare, Ivey has found the formula—blend elite high school talent with proven transfer stars and develop a cohesive system rooted in team play. Rivers is the final puzzle piece that gives the Irish the experience, scoring punch, and leadership to win in March and April.

Notre Dame will begin the 2024-25 season as a preseason top-3 team alongside UConn and South Carolina. With battles looming against perennial contenders in the ACC (Louisville, NC State, Virginia Tech), and a challenging non-conference slate featuring LSU and Stanford, the Irish will be battle-tested come tournament time.

But unlike past seasons, this version of Notre Dame is deeper, faster, and more experienced.

Rivers’ impact will go beyond the box score. At JMU, she was lauded for her work in the community and her leadership in social justice initiatives. At Notre Dame, she’s expected to take on a similar role, partnering with university initiatives to mentor young women and represent the student-athlete body with pride.

“She’s not just a baller—she’s a builder,” said Coach Ivey. “She’s going to help us win games, yes. But she’s also going to help shape the identity of this program for years to come.”

The Fighting Irish have made their move—and it’s a bold one.

In an era of rapid change in women’s college basketball, Notre Dame isn’t just keeping up—they’re setting the pace. Landing Alana Rivers is more than just a splashy transfer win; it’s a declaration of intent. The Irish are here to dominate.

With Niele Ivey at the helm, an elite roster now in place, and a rising star in Rivers ready to lead the charge, the path back to the summit of women’s college basketball runs through South Bend.