De Jesus Bolsters Fighting Irish: Former Duke Guard Transfers to Notre Dame for Graduate Season
In a significant move that will add experience and depth to their roster, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team has secured the commitment of former Duke Blue Devils guard Vanessa de Jesus for her graduate season in 2025-2026. The announcement, made on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, marks the third transfer acquisition for the Fighting Irish in the current offseason, signaling Head Coach Niele Ivey’s proactive approach to building a formidable squad.
De Jesus, a 5-foot-8 point guard hailing from Valencia, California, spent four seasons in Durham, North Carolina, as a member of the Duke program. During her time with the Blue Devils, she participated in 102 games, earning 18 starts. Her collegiate career statistics include an average of 4.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.6 steals per game. Notably, her senior season showcased her most efficient shooting performance, connecting on 47.6 percent of her field goal attempts in the games where she played significant minutes.
Having competed in the challenging Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for four years, de Jesus is no stranger to the Fighting Irish. She faced Notre Dame on three occasions, most recently in the 2025 ACC Tournament semifinals. In that matchup, she demonstrated her scoring ability by going 3-for-5 from the field, including a successful three-pointer, and finishing with seven points against her future team.
“We are super grateful for the addition of Vanessa!” exclaimed Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach Niele Ivey upon the announcement of de Jesus’s transfer. “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!” Coach Ivey’s enthusiasm highlights the anticipated impact of de Jesus on the Notre Dame program.
De Jesus becomes the first guard to join the Fighting Irish through the transfer portal this offseason. She will complement the existing scholarship guards on the roster, including KK Bransford, Hannah Hidalgo, and Cassandre Prosper, creating a potentially dynamic and versatile backcourt for Notre Dame.
Beyond her collegiate achievements, de Jesus has also gained valuable international experience representing the Philippines. In the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A, she averaged an impressive 12.8 points and 3.2 assists per game. Her contributions were instrumental in helping the Philippines secure their first victory in the tournament’s group play since 2015, showcasing her leadership and skill on a global stage.
De Jesus is one of three graduate transfers to commit to Notre Dame women’s basketball for the upcoming season. She joins forward Malaya Cowles, who transferred from Wake Forest, and forward Gisela Sanchez, who previously played at Arizona and Kansas State. These additions underscore Notre Dame’s strategy of leveraging the transfer portal to enhance their roster with experienced players ready to contribute immediately.
The Notre Dame women’s basketball program is aiming to build on a successful 2024-2025 season that saw them reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament before falling to TCU. The addition of a seasoned guard like de Jesus is expected to provide valuable experience and leadership as the team looks to make an even deeper run in future competitions.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly significant avenue for college basketball teams to address immediate needs and bolster their rosters. For graduate student-athletes like Vanessa de Jesus, it offers an opportunity to pursue further academic goals while continuing their basketball careers in a new environment. Notre Dame, with its strong academic reputation and competitive athletic program, presents an attractive destination for such players.
As de Jesus transitions to South Bend, she will bring a wealth of experience gained from competing at a high level in the ACC. Her familiarity with Notre Dame from past matchups could also facilitate a smoother integration into the team’s system and culture. Her ability to score, distribute the ball, and compete fiercely aligns with Coach Ivey’s vision for the Fighting Irish.
The upcoming 2025-2026 season holds high expectations for Notre Dame women’s basketball, and the addition of Vanessa de Jesus is a clear indication of the program’s ambition to compete at the highest echelon of the sport. Her graduate season with the Fighting Irish promises to be a compelling chapter in her basketball journey, and Notre Dame fans will eagerly anticipate the contributions she will bring to the team.
