Notre Dame Lands Top Transfer Portal Guard Vanessa De Jesus
Notre Dame women’s basketball has secured a major recruiting victory, landing Vanessa De Jesus, a highly sought-after transfer guard from Duke University. The 5-foot-8 combo guard chose the Fighting Irish over a formidable list of suitors, including Alabama, Tennessee, and her former team, Duke. This move is considered one of the most impactful transfer portal additions of the offseason.
De Jesus brings significant experience and talent to South Bend. During her time at Duke, she showcased exceptional poise, playmaking ability, and defensive tenacity. In her final season, she averaged an impressive 11.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, while maintaining efficient shooting percentages (46% from the field and 38% from three-point range). Her consistent performance earned her recognition as a key player in the Duke program.
Her decision to transfer stems from a desire to find a program perfectly aligned with her goals for the remainder of her collegiate career and her professional aspirations. Notre Dame, with its established legacy of success, superb guard play development, and experienced coach Niele Ivey, proved to be the ideal fit.
“I chose Notre Dame because of the culture, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level,” De Jesus stated in her announcement. “Coach Ivey’s vision and track record with guards really resonated with me. I’m excited to be part of something special.”
Coach Ivey, building upon Notre Dame’s rich basketball tradition, sees De Jesus as a monumental addition to her roster. With the return of star point guard Hannah Hidalgo and the presence of forward Maddy Westbeld, Notre Dame’s team is positioned for a Final Four run. De Jesus adds another ball-handling threat, scoring punch, and veteran leadership, which significantly strengthens the team’s chances against top programs like South Carolina, UConn, and LSU.
“This is a huge addition for us,” Ivey commented. “Vanessa brings high-level experience, maturity, and an incredible work ethic. She’s the kind of player who elevates those around her, and we can’t wait to integrate her into our system.”
Notre Dame’s victory over prominent SEC programs Alabama and Tennessee underscores the program’s growing appeal. The commitment is a significant blow for Duke, who aimed to retain De Jesus after her successful tenure. De Jesus’ arrival elevates Notre Dame’s backcourt to one of the nation’s best, bolstering their lineup flexibility and adding depth. The Fighting Irish are now firmly in contention for a national title in the upcoming 2025 season. De Jesus’ decision confirms Notre Dame’s standing as a prime destination for top basketball talent and Coach Ivey’s success in building a championship-caliber program.
