Irish Add Blue Devil Grit: Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Lands Duke Guard Vanessa de Jesus
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball program has once again dipped into the transfer portal, securing a significant addition to their guard lineup for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Vanessa de Jesus, a seasoned guard who spent the previous four years with the Duke Blue Devils, has announced her commitment to play her graduate season in South Bend. This move comes as head coach Niele Ivey continues to strategically reshape her roster following several departures due to graduation and the transfer portal. De Jesus brings a wealth of experience in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and international playing experience, promising to add valuable depth, versatility, and a tenacious spirit to the Irish backcourt.
De Jesus, a 5-foot-8 point guard hailing from Valencia, California, carved out a consistent role during her tenure in Durham. Over 102 games played for the Blue Devils, including 18 starts, she demonstrated a steady all-around game, averaging 4.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per contest. Notably, her senior season saw her achieve a career-best shooting percentage of 47.6% from the field, indicating a growing efficiency on the offensive end. While her statistical output might not immediately jump off the page, those who have followed her career recognize the intangible qualities she brings to the court – a high motor, a strong basketball IQ, and a relentless competitive drive.
Having spent four seasons navigating the rigors of the ACC, de Jesus is no stranger to the Fighting Irish. She faced Notre Dame on three occasions, most recently in the semifinals of the 2025 ACC Tournament. In that matchup, she provided a glimpse of her capabilities, going 3-for-5 from the floor, connecting on a three-pointer, and finishing with seven points. This familiarity with Notre Dame’s playing style and the intensity of their conference clashes could allow for a smoother transition into the program.
Coach Niele Ivey expressed her enthusiasm for the addition of de Jesus, highlighting the guard’s key attributes. “We are super grateful for the addition of Vanessa!” Ivey stated. “Vanessa has an incredible motor and high IQ that will translate perfectly in our offense. She is a three-level scorer and a relentless competitor!” 1 This endorsement from the head coach underscores the value that de Jesus is expected to bring to the team, not just in terms of her skills but also her approach to the game.
De Jesus becomes the third transfer to commit to Notre Dame this offseason, joining former Wake Forest forward Malaya Cowles and former Kansas State forward Gisela Sanchez. However, she is the first guard to join this transfer class, addressing a specific need within the Irish roster. She will join a guard unit that includes returning players KK Bransford, Hannah Hidalgo, and Cassandre Prosper, creating a potentially dynamic and multifaceted backcourt rotation.
Beyond her collegiate experience, de Jesus boasts significant international credentials. She has represented the Philippines on the international stage, most notably at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. In this tournament, she showcased her offensive prowess, averaging 12.8 points and 3.2 assists per game. Her contributions were instrumental in helping the Philippines secure their first win in the group stage of the competition since 2015, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure and contribute to team success on a global level. This international exposure adds another layer of maturity and a broader perspective to the Notre Dame locker room.
The addition of Vanessa de Jesus is a strategic move by Coach Ivey to bolster a Notre Dame squad that is undergoing a significant transformation. Following a successful 2024-2025 season that saw the Irish reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament with a 28-6 record, the program has seen several key players depart. The graduation of influential figures like Maddy Westbeld, Sonia Citron (a first-round WNBA draft pick), and Liatu King, coupled with transfers from players such as Olivia Miles (to TCU), Kate Koval (to LSU), Emma Risch (to Florida State), and Kylee Watson (to Villanova), has created both challenges and opportunities for the program.
In this context, the transfer portal has become a crucial avenue for rebuilding and adding experienced talent. The arrival of Cowles, Sanchez, and now de Jesus signals a clear intention to address the immediate needs of the team with proven players who can contribute right away. De Jesus, with her four years of ACC experience, brings a level of familiarity with high-stakes competition that is invaluable for a team aiming to maintain its status as a national contender.
Her ability to play multiple guard positions will also provide Coach Ivey with tactical flexibility. Whether she is initiating the offense as a point guard, playing off the ball as a scorer, or providing defensive pressure, de Jesus’ versatility will allow for various lineup combinations and strategic adjustments depending on the opponent and game situation. Her career-high shooting percentage in her final season at Duke suggests an upward trajectory in her offensive game, and the Notre Dame coaching staff will undoubtedly look to further develop her scoring potential.
Moreover, de Jesus’ reputation as a player with a high motor and strong basketball IQ aligns perfectly with the culture that Coach Ivey has been building at Notre Dame. The program prides itself on its relentless effort, smart play, and team-first mentality. De Jesus’ commitment speaks to her understanding and embrace of these values, suggesting a seamless integration into the team dynamic. Her experience as a four-year player in a demanding conference also indicates a level of maturity and leadership that can be beneficial in mentoring younger players and fostering a positive locker room environment.
The evolving landscape of college basketball, with the increased prominence of the transfer portal and the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, requires programs to be agile and proactive in their roster management. Coach Ivey’s strategic use of the transfer portal to bring in experienced graduate transfers like de Jesus, Cowles, and Sanchez demonstrates a clear understanding of the current environment and a commitment to ensuring that Notre Dame remains competitive at the highest level. These additions complement the returning talent and incoming freshmen, creating a blend of experience and potential that the coaching staff will look to mold into a cohesive and formidable unit.
As Vanessa de Jesus embarks on her final year of college basketball in the golden dome, she carries with her the lessons learned and the battles fought in the ACC. Her arrival at Notre Dame injects not only talent but also a sense of resilience and a proven ability to compete against top-tier opponents. The Fighting Irish faithful will be eager to see how her skills and experience translate into the team’s pursuit of championships in the 2025-2026 season. The blend of her Blue Devil grit with the Irish spirit promises to be a compelling chapter in the ongoing story of Notre Dame women’s basketball.
