In a heartfelt farewell, Maddy Westbeld, a distinguished forward for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team, has officially announced her departure from the program as she sets her sights on a professional career in the WNBA. Her emotional statement underscores the deep bond she shares with the Notre Dame community:
“From top to bottom, left to right, this is my family for life. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Thank you, Notre Dame, and thank you to every person who has impacted me, along with those who allow me to impact them.”
A Legacy of Excellence at Notre Dame
Hailing from Kettering, Ohio, Westbeld has been a cornerstone of the Notre Dame women’s basketball program since her arrival. Her tenure is marked by consistent excellence, leadership, and resilience. Over her collegiate career, she has amassed impressive statistics, including over 1,550 points and 881 rebounds, reflecting her significant contribution to the team’s success.
Westbeld’s impact was immediate. Starting all 120 games in her first four seasons, she quickly established herself as a reliable and versatile player. Her junior year was particularly notable, averaging 14.4 points and a career-high 8.7 rebounds per game. This performance earned her multiple accolades, including Second Team All-ACC honors and recognition on the All-ACC Tournament First Team.
Overcoming Adversity
The 2024-2025 season presented unforeseen challenges for Westbeld. A left foot injury necessitated surgery in August 2024, sidelining her for the first two months of the season. Her absence was felt deeply, given her role as a leader both on and off the court. Demonstrating characteristic determination, Westbeld made her season debut on January 5, 2025, against North Carolina, contributing valuable minutes despite being on a restricted playing schedule.
Reflecting on her return, Westbeld expressed a mix of emotions:
“Woke up this morning and went to my coffee shop and was just smiling. It was a hard journey leading up to this point. This was the hardest part. This was ripping the band-aid off.”
Her resilience during this period not only highlighted her commitment to the game but also served as an inspiration to her teammates and the broader Notre Dame community.
A Family Tradition
Basketball excellence runs in the Westbeld family. Maddy’s sister, Kathryn Westbeld, was a pivotal player for Notre Dame from 2014 to 2018, contributing to the team’s national championship victory in 2018. Maddy’s decision to join Notre Dame was influenced by this legacy, and she has undoubtedly added to the family’s storied history with the program.
Embracing Fashion and Personal Branding
Beyond her on-court achievements, Westbeld has shown a keen interest in fashion, particularly during her recovery period. With the support of head coach Niele Ivey, known for her own fashion-forward approach, Westbeld began experimenting with “tunnel fits,” a trend where athletes showcase their personal style during pre-game entrances. This exploration not only allowed her to express her creativity but also prepared her for the branding opportunities that come with a professional career.
Reflecting on this experience, Westbeld noted:
“My mindset has been that I’m a professional athlete already. This is a bonus year where I could be a [pro] with a safety net under me.”
Looking Ahead to the WNBA
As Westbeld transitions to the professional arena, she carries with her the lessons and experiences garnered at Notre Dame. The WNBA presents new challenges and opportunities, and her time with the Fighting Irish has undoubtedly prepared her for this next chapter. Her combination of skill, leadership, and personal branding positions her as a promising prospect in the league.
A Fond Farewell
Westbeld’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Notre Dame women’s basketball. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the program, and her presence will be missed by teammates, coaches, and fans alike. As she embarks on her professional journey, the Notre Dame family stands united in support, echoing her sentiments of lifelong connection and gratitude.
In her own words, Westbeld encapsulates the depth of her bond with Notre Dame:
“From top to bottom, left to right, this is my family for life. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
As the WNBA draft approaches, all eyes will be on Maddy Westbeld, anticipating the continuation of a career defined by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the game.