Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Big East Conference
2012-13 Stats
| OVERALL RECORD | Big RECORD |
| 35-2 | 16-0 |
2012 Player Commits
| Commits | ESPN 100 Commits |
| 3 | 3 |
Recruiting Class:
Taya Reimer, F
Indianapolis, IN
Apr 27, 2012
- Hamilton Southeastern H.S. (IN)
- Scouts Grade: 97
- ESPN100 Rank: 4
- Position Rank (F): 1
No. 4 Taya Reimer makes her commitment, staying in-state
Taya Reimer of Indianapolis, Ind., told ESPN HoopGurlz she verbally committed to Notre Dame on Friday afternoon. The 6-foot-2 junior forward also considered Connecticut, Duke, Georgia, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas A&M and UCLA before choosing the Fighting Irish.
"I chose Notre Dame because of a lot of different reasons," Reimer said. "I have a strong relationship with the entire staff, and that was very important to me. Along with that I am extremely comfortable on campus and with the team. It?s close to my family and friends and I decided that was important as well."
Reimer?s commitment came as a bit of a surprise to head coach Muffett McGraw. With some planning along with assistant coach Niele Ivey, Reimer hit the South Bend, Ind., campus for an academic meeting and unofficial visit, and sprung the news on her future coach.
"A degree from Notre Dame and the educational opportunities available were a great fit for me," Reimer added. "Also, I?d like to thank all of the coaches that recruited me and made this recruiting process so positive and enjoyable. I really valued getting to know all of them and building relationships with them."
Reimer, who is ranked No. 4 in the ESPN HoopGurlz 100 for the 2013 class, is the fourth player to commit to the program that has been the NCAA national runner-up in back-to-back seasons. She joins Lindsay Allen, a point guard from Mitchellville, Md., who is ranked 23rd in the class; Kristina Nelson, a post from Buford, Ga., ranked 30th, and Diamond Thompson, a post from Lombard, Ill., who is rated a four-star prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz.
"I chose Notre Dame because of a lot of different reasons," Reimer said. "I have a strong relationship with the entire staff, and that was very important to me. Along with that I am extremely comfortable on campus and with the team. It?s close to my family and friends and I decided that was important as well."
Reimer?s commitment came as a bit of a surprise to head coach Muffett McGraw. With some planning along with assistant coach Niele Ivey, Reimer hit the South Bend, Ind., campus for an academic meeting and unofficial visit, and sprung the news on her future coach.
"A degree from Notre Dame and the educational opportunities available were a great fit for me," Reimer added. "Also, I?d like to thank all of the coaches that recruited me and made this recruiting process so positive and enjoyable. I really valued getting to know all of them and building relationships with them."
Reimer, who is ranked No. 4 in the ESPN HoopGurlz 100 for the 2013 class, is the fourth player to commit to the program that has been the NCAA national runner-up in back-to-back seasons. She joins Lindsay Allen, a point guard from Mitchellville, Md., who is ranked 23rd in the class; Kristina Nelson, a post from Buford, Ga., ranked 30th, and Diamond Thompson, a post from Lombard, Ill., who is rated a four-star prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz.
Kristina Nelson, P
Buford, GA
Apr 25, 2012
- Buford H.S. (GA)
- Scouts Grade: 95
- ESPN100 Rank: 39
- Position Rank (P): 5
No. 30 Kristina Nelson pledges to the Big East
Kristina Nelson of Buford, Ga., told ESPN HoopGurlz she has verbally committed to Notre Dame and head coach Muffett McGraw. The 6-foot-3 post also considered Auburn, Duke, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and UCLA before deciding on the Fighting Irish.
Nelson, who is ranked No. 30 in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60 for the 2013 class, is the third player to commit the Notre Dame, and the second ranked player to pledge to McGraw and her staff this week. She joins No. 23 Lindsay Allen, the 5-8 point guard from Mitchellville, Md., and four-star prospect Diamond Thompson, a 6-4 post from Lombard, Ill.
The commitment elevates Notre Dame's 2013 recruiting class to join Maryland and North Carolina as the only programs with two players from the top 60. The 2012 signing class for the Irish was ranked fourth in the country and included three highly ranked perimeter players.
Nelson, who is ranked No. 30 in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60 for the 2013 class, is the third player to commit the Notre Dame, and the second ranked player to pledge to McGraw and her staff this week. She joins No. 23 Lindsay Allen, the 5-8 point guard from Mitchellville, Md., and four-star prospect Diamond Thompson, a 6-4 post from Lombard, Ill.
The commitment elevates Notre Dame's 2013 recruiting class to join Maryland and North Carolina as the only programs with two players from the top 60. The 2012 signing class for the Irish was ranked fourth in the country and included three highly ranked perimeter players.
Lindsay Allen, PG
Mitchellville, MD
Apr 24, 2012
- Saint Johns College H.S. (MD)
- Scouts Grade: 95
- ESPN100 Rank: 25
- Position Rank (PG): 5
No. 23 ('13) Lindsay Allen chooses the Big East
Lindsay Allen of Mitchellville, Md., has verbally committed to Notre Dame, according to her father, Terrell Allen. The 5-foot-8 point guard chose the Irish over finalists Boston College, Stanford, Syracuse and Virginia.
Allen, the No. 23 ranked prospect in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60, is fresh off a terrific performance at the Boo Williams Invitational with the Philly Belles-Maryland club team. She is the second player from the 2013 class to commit to Notre Dame and head coach Muffett McGraw. She joins Diamond Thompson of Lombard, Ill., a 6-4 post who like Allen, has a four-star rating.
The Irish just completed back-to-back seasons reaching the NCAA National Championship game. With the success Notre Dame inked the No. 4 recruiting class for the 2012 class during the early signing period.
Allen, the No. 23 ranked prospect in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60, is fresh off a terrific performance at the Boo Williams Invitational with the Philly Belles-Maryland club team. She is the second player from the 2013 class to commit to Notre Dame and head coach Muffett McGraw. She joins Diamond Thompson of Lombard, Ill., a 6-4 post who like Allen, has a four-star rating.
The Irish just completed back-to-back seasons reaching the NCAA National Championship game. With the success Notre Dame inked the No. 4 recruiting class for the 2012 class during the early signing period.
Jewell Loyd, G
Skokie, IL
Apr 1, 2012
- Niles West H.S. (IL)
- Scouts Grade: 97
- ESPN100 Rank: 4
- Position Rank (G): 1
No. 4 Jewell Loyd MVP at WBCA All-Ameican Game
Notre Dame signee Jewell Loyd of Skokie, Ill., earned MVP honors after leading her White team to a 74-62 victory over Navy in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-American Game in Denver on Saturday.
The 5-foot-9 guard, ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the 2012 class by ESPN HoopGurlz, had 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Nicole Kornet of Lantana, Texas, the No. 19 prospect and an Oklahoma signee, was named MVP of the Navy team after recording 12 poitns and three steals.
Clemson-bound Jonquel Jones of Freeport, Bahamas (and Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.)), the No. 36 prospect, had 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block for the White. UCLA-bound Nirra Fields of Santa Ana, Calif., the No. 11 prospect, led the Navy with 14 after scoring 20 in the McDonald's All-American Game in Chicago on Wednesday.
The 5-foot-9 guard, ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the 2012 class by ESPN HoopGurlz, had 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Nicole Kornet of Lantana, Texas, the No. 19 prospect and an Oklahoma signee, was named MVP of the Navy team after recording 12 poitns and three steals.
Clemson-bound Jonquel Jones of Freeport, Bahamas (and Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.)), the No. 36 prospect, had 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block for the White. UCLA-bound Nirra Fields of Santa Ana, Calif., the No. 11 prospect, led the Navy with 14 after scoring 20 in the McDonald's All-American Game in Chicago on Wednesday.
Diamond Thompson, P
Lombard, IL
Nov 13, 2011
- Wheaton-Warrenville South High Scho (IL)
- Scouts Grade: 92
- Position Rank (P): 10
4-star P Diamond Thompson ('13) chooses a Big East program
Diamond Thompson of Lombard, Ill., gave her verbal commitment to Notre Dame, according to her high school coach, Jason Nichols of Montini Catholic. The 6-foot-4 post committed while on an unofficial campus visit this weekend.
"Diamond is a bright kid and that education at Notre Dame is out of this world," Nichols said. "It was close to home, they have a great basketball program, so it was a no-brainer."
Thompson, a four-star prospect who is on the ESPNU HoopGurlz 100 Watch List for the Class of 2013, also considered DePaul, Marquette and Michigan before deciding on the Fighting Irish.
"From freshman year to her junior year, her maturity off the court has improved 100 percent which allows her to grow on the court," Nichols said. "She has a huge defensive presence and can defend extremely well and blocks a ton of shots. Her offensive game is developing well."
Thompson's commitment is the first for coach Muffet McGraw's program. The team signed three elite perimeter players in the 2012 class, a haul which ranked among the best in the country, and the emphasis for 2013 is definitely on the frontcourt to build depth behind current sophomores Natalie Achonwa and Ariel Braker and freshman Markisha Wright.
"Diamond is a bright kid and that education at Notre Dame is out of this world," Nichols said. "It was close to home, they have a great basketball program, so it was a no-brainer."
Thompson, a four-star prospect who is on the ESPNU HoopGurlz 100 Watch List for the Class of 2013, also considered DePaul, Marquette and Michigan before deciding on the Fighting Irish.
"From freshman year to her junior year, her maturity off the court has improved 100 percent which allows her to grow on the court," Nichols said. "She has a huge defensive presence and can defend extremely well and blocks a ton of shots. Her offensive game is developing well."
Thompson's commitment is the first for coach Muffet McGraw's program. The team signed three elite perimeter players in the 2012 class, a haul which ranked among the best in the country, and the emphasis for 2013 is definitely on the frontcourt to build depth behind current sophomores Natalie Achonwa and Ariel Braker and freshman Markisha Wright.
Malina Howard, P
Twinsburg, OH
Oct 1, 2011
- Twinsburg H.S. (OH)
- Scouts Grade: 97
- ESPN100 Rank: 8
- Position Rank (P): 1
No. 7 Malina Howard commits on her last official visit
Malina Howard of Twinsburg, Ohio, has verbally committed to Maryland, according to her Twitter account. The 6-foot-3 post chose the Terps over her other finalist, Notre Dame.
"It's official I am a terp," was posted on her page, twitter.com/malinahoward5.
Howard, a 5-star prospect according to ESPN HoopGurlz, made the announcement while on her official visit to Maryland. The No. 7 ranked player in the class is the third Maryland verbal in the 2012 class. She joins Tierney Pfirman of Williamsport, Pa., a 6-2 forward who is ranked No. 22 in the class; and and Chloe Pavlech of Cincinnati, a 5-6 point guard who is rated a 4-star prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz.
"It's official I am a terp," was posted on her page, twitter.com/malinahoward5.
Howard, a 5-star prospect according to ESPN HoopGurlz, made the announcement while on her official visit to Maryland. The No. 7 ranked player in the class is the third Maryland verbal in the 2012 class. She joins Tierney Pfirman of Williamsport, Pa., a 6-2 forward who is ranked No. 22 in the class; and and Chloe Pavlech of Cincinnati, a 5-6 point guard who is rated a 4-star prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz.
Michaela Mabrey, G
Holmdel, NJ
Apr 30, 2011
- Manasquan H.S. (NJ)
- Scouts Grade: 95
- ESPN100 Rank: 33
- Position Rank (G): 10
No. 33 Michaela Mabrey to Notre Dame
Michaela Mabrey of Holdel, N.J., verballed on Saturday to Notre Dame, according to her mother, Patti.
The No. 33 prospect in the 2012 class, per ESPN HoopGurlz, Mabrey averaged 22 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists for Manasquan (Manasquan, N.J.). >br>
Mabrey just made an unofficial visit to Notre Dame earlier in the week. She also made unofficials to Connecticut, Princeton, Rutgers and Villanova.
The 5-foot-9, aggressive scoring guard previously played at St. John Vianney, then transferred before her junior season.
Mabrey is the 2011 NCAA Division finalist's third commitment in what is shaping up to be a sterling 2012 recruiting class. No. 6 Jewel Loyd of Lincolnwood, Ill., and No. 38 Hannah Huffman of Concord, Calif., preceded her as Notre Dame pledges.
The No. 33 prospect in the 2012 class, per ESPN HoopGurlz, Mabrey averaged 22 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists for Manasquan (Manasquan, N.J.). >br>
Mabrey just made an unofficial visit to Notre Dame earlier in the week. She also made unofficials to Connecticut, Princeton, Rutgers and Villanova.
The 5-foot-9, aggressive scoring guard previously played at St. John Vianney, then transferred before her junior season.
Mabrey is the 2011 NCAA Division finalist's third commitment in what is shaping up to be a sterling 2012 recruiting class. No. 6 Jewel Loyd of Lincolnwood, Ill., and No. 38 Hannah Huffman of Concord, Calif., preceded her as Notre Dame pledges.
Madison Cable, W
Pittsburgh, PA
Sep 29, 2010
- Mount Lebanon H.S. (PA)
- Scouts Grade: 93
- ESPN100 Rank: 52
- Position Rank (W): 8
No. 52 Madison Cable makes her choice
Madison cable, the No. 52 ranked prospect in the ESPNU HoopGurlz 100, has verbally committed to Notre Dame, according to her Mount Lebanon High School coach Dori Oldaker.
Cable, a 5-foot-wing from Pittsburg, Pa., is the third commitment for the Irish in the 2011 class, and the highest rated prospect so far. She will join point guard Whitney Holloway of Plainfield, Ill., and wing Kalpana Beach of Westlake, Ohio.
Cable, a 5-foot-wing from Pittsburg, Pa., is the third commitment for the Irish in the 2011 class, and the highest rated prospect so far. She will join point guard Whitney Holloway of Plainfield, Ill., and wing Kalpana Beach of Westlake, Ohio.
Kayla McBride, G
Erie, PA
Mar 30, 2010
- Villa Maria Academy (PA)
- Scouts Grade: 95
- ESPN100 Rank: 20
- Position Rank (G): 4
Kayla McBride finishes with second straight state title
Kayla McBride, the Notre Dame-bound guard, finished her career at Villa Maria Academy of Erie, Pa., with two straight Pennsylvania state championships and as the school's all-time leading scorer.
The 5-foot-11 McBride, ranked No. 20 in the 2010 class by ESPN HoopGurlz, had 29 points and 11 rebounds as Villa Maria beat York Catholic 52-44 in the 2A championship game. McBride scored 17 straight points for Villa Maria during a stretch in the second half and made 11 of 14 free throws overall.
McBride finished her career with 1,727 points, a 106-15 record, four district titles and three appearances in the state championship game.
The 5-foot-11 McBride, ranked No. 20 in the 2010 class by ESPN HoopGurlz, had 29 points and 11 rebounds as Villa Maria beat York Catholic 52-44 in the 2A championship game. McBride scored 17 straight points for Villa Maria during a stretch in the second half and made 11 of 14 free throws overall.
McBride finished her career with 1,727 points, a 106-15 record, four district titles and three appearances in the state championship game.
Ariel Braker, W
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Aug 14, 2009
- Grosse Pointe North H.S. (MI)
- Scouts Grade: 90
- Position Rank (W): 23
Michigan forward gives verbal commitment to Notre Dame
Ariel Braker, a 6-foot-1 forward from Grosse Point, Mich., has given a verbal commitment to Notre Dame, according to her mother, Veronica Braker.
Braker chose Notre Dame from a list of schools that included Michigan, Michigan State, and Minnesota, among others. She called coach Muffet McGraw on Sunday with her commitment to the school three hours from her home.
The rising senior's high school, Grosse Point North, participates in Notre Dame's camp each summer and Braker has enjoyed the relationships she's developed with the Irish's coaching staff and players.
Braker is the third verbal commitment of the 2010 class for Notre Dame, joining Kayla McBride of Erie, Pa., and Natalie Achonwa of Ontario, Canada.
Natalie Achonwa, W
Guelph, Ont., CAN
Jul 2, 2009
- National Elite Development Academy (CAN)
- Scouts Grade: 40
- Position Rank (W): N/A
Elite Canadian Natalie Achonwa picks Notre Dame
Natalie Achonwa, a 6-foot-3 wing from Guelph, Ont., Can., has decided between her final two schools and has verbally committed to Notre Dame. She made the verbal on Wednesday on her unofficial visit.
"I had discussed it with my family and made the choice before I went up," Achonwa told ESPN HoopGurlz Thursday via email. "I thought it would be more personal and exciting if I announced it to the coaches in person. I feel comfortable and relieved that I have made my decision and I am looking forward to being the first International player to ever play on Notre Dame Women's Basketball team."
ESPN HoopGurlz does not currently rank international players but has evaluated Achonwa against U.S. competition. She compares with the likes of Americans in the top 25 from the last few signing classes.
Whitney Holloway, PG
Plainfield, IL
May 22, 2009
- Montini Catholic H.S. (IL)
- Scouts Grade: 92
- Position Rank (PG): 25
Whitney Holloway commits to Notre Dame
Whitney Holloway, a 5-foot-4 point guard from Plainfield, Ill., gave her verbal commitment to Notre Dame and head coach Muffett McGraw on Friday. She considered Depaul, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee State, Wisconsin, Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Georgia before deciding on the South Bend, Ind., school.
More on the Holloway commitment soon at ESPN HoopGurlz
Kaila Turner commits to Notre Dame
Marian Catholic's Kaila Turner orally committed to Notre Dame on Saturday, according to The Times. The 5-foot-7 guard visited the campus over the weekend and her dad said that is where she made her decision in person to coach Muffet McGraw.