Notre Dame Transfer, a former five-star recruit, is officially signed by LSU women’s basketball.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, few programs have seized the power of the transfer portal quite like Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers. And once again, LSU women’s basketball has made national headlines—this time by securing the signature of a former five-star recruit from Notre Dame. The announcement marks yet another bold move for the Tigers, reinforcing their ambitions to remain at the pinnacle of the women’s college basketball world.

The player, whose name once lit up recruiting boards as one of the top high school prospects in the country, now brings her talents to Baton Rouge with eyes set on championship glory. With LSU already home to elite talent and a national championship pedigree under Coach Mulkey, this transfer only strengthens an already loaded roster.

A Star Is Reborn in Baton Rouge

When she committed to Notre Dame, the now-LSU transfer was celebrated as a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish’s future. As a five-star high school prospect ranked among the top 10 nationally by ESPNW HoopGurlz, her arrival in South Bend was met with immense excitement. She was known for her versatility, dynamic scoring ability, court vision, and elite defensive instincts—traits that quickly translated to production on the court.

In her freshman and sophomore seasons at Notre Dame, the guard/forward hybrid made her presence felt. She averaged 10.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in her most recent season, shooting 43% from the field and 35% from three-point range. Her clutch performances in ACC play caught the attention of coaches and analysts nationwide. Yet, despite personal success, she sought a new opportunity—a fresh start in a program that mirrored her aspirations.

Enter LSU.

Why LSU?

The question isn’t just why LSU wanted her—it’s why she wanted LSU. According to multiple sources close to the player, the decision came down to three things: Kim Mulkey’s coaching style, the chance to compete for a national title, and LSU’s team-first culture that emphasizes winning over individual accolades.

In an interview with local Baton Rouge media, the transfer shared, “Coach Mulkey’s passion and intensity are infectious. She builds winners—not just players. I wanted to be part of a system where I’d be pushed to my limits, where everything I do helps us chase a championship. LSU felt like home the minute I stepped on campus.”

The Tigers have established themselves as one of the premier programs in college basketball, winning the national title in 2023 and continuing to stockpile talent through both high school recruiting and the transfer portal. Mulkey has created a culture that attracts not just stars, but competitors—players who want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Kim Mulkey Strikes Again

Mulkey, a four-time national champion and a three-time AP Coach of the Year, has an uncanny ability to retool and reload quickly. Since arriving in Baton Rouge, she’s blended elite recruits, seasoned veterans, and top-tier transfers into cohesive, dynamic units. With her fiery demeanor and championship pedigree, she’s turned LSU into a magnet for elite talent.

Speaking on the new addition, Mulkey said, “We don’t just bring in talent for the sake of it—we bring in competitors. She’s a game-changer on both ends of the court. She’s tough, experienced, and understands what it takes to win at this level. She fits our system perfectly, and I’m excited to see her thrive here.”

Mulkey emphasized that while the player’s pedigree speaks for itself, it’s her mindset and leadership that stood out. “We’re building a team of leaders,” Mulkey added. “She’s the kind of player who doesn’t just want the ball in crunch time—she demands it.”

How She Fits In: LSU’s Roster Outlook

With the departure of several veterans to the WNBA and graduation, LSU’s rotation is undergoing a transformation. While returners like Flau’jae Johnson and Angelica Velez continue to anchor the lineup, the addition of this Notre Dame transfer provides the Tigers with a versatile weapon who can play multiple positions.

Her ability to guard 1-through-3, handle the ball under pressure, and stretch the floor as a three-point threat makes her ideal for Mulkey’s system, which prioritizes defensive tenacity and offensive fluidity. Expect her to slot in as a starter or first-off-the-bench contributor, likely sharing time at both the shooting guard and small forward positions.

In practice, she’s already made a strong impression. One assistant coach noted, “Her work ethic is elite. She’s vocal. She’s a tone-setter. That’s the kind of player you want in your locker room when the season’s on the line.”

A Reinforced Championship Contender

LSU doesn’t just want to contend—they want to dominate. Adding a player with high-level ACC experience and big-game poise bolsters the Tigers’ status as a national title favorite. The SEC remains brutally competitive, with programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ole Miss continuing to recruit and develop at a high level. But LSU, with its retooled roster and established coaching staff, sits in pole position.

The team’s blend of youth and experience now feels more balanced. Incoming freshmen—many of whom were McDonald’s All-Americans—will benefit from playing alongside a veteran transfer who has already logged serious minutes in NCAA Tournament play.

Analysts have already begun updating their “way-too-early” rankings, with LSU firmly cemented in the top three nationally. The Tigers are expected to make a deep tournament run once again, and if chemistry clicks, they could hoist another national championship trophy.

A Personal Journey of Growth

Behind the stats and accolades lies a young woman who has grown through adversity. Her time at Notre Dame wasn’t always smooth sailing. Injuries and inconsistent minutes early in her career tested her patience and resilience. But instead of retreating, she responded by redoubling her commitment to the game.

Now, with a fresh chapter ahead, she arrives at LSU more mature, more focused, and more driven than ever.

“I’ve learned so much about myself over the last two years,” she told reporters. “I’ve learned how to lead, how to overcome, how to stay locked in when things don’t go your way. LSU is getting the best version of me—on and off the court.”

She also expressed gratitude toward Notre Dame, crediting the coaching staff and teammates for helping shape her. “Notre Dame was a blessing. It prepared me for this next step. But I’m ready to win it all in purple and gold.”

The Transfer Portal Era and Mulkey’s Adaptation

The transfer portal has become a powerful tool in reshaping college basketball rosters, and few have wielded it better than Mulkey. Critics once argued that heavy portal reliance could hurt team chemistry—but LSU has proven otherwise.

With players like this former Notre Dame star entering the fold, Mulkey continues to build not just rosters, but legacies. The Tigers’ ability to seamlessly integrate high-level transfers has become a model for other programs.

And it’s not just about stacking talent—it’s about finding players who align with LSU’s championship DNA.

What Comes Next

LSU’s schedule for the upcoming season is expected to feature high-profile non-conference matchups, including potential clashes with UConn, Stanford, and defending champion South Carolina. These games will offer immediate tests for the new-look Tigers—and early opportunities for their newest star to shine on a national stage.

For now, though, the focus is on building chemistry and establishing team identity. Preseason workouts and summer practices will give Mulkey and her staff ample time to fine-tune rotations, develop schemes, and prepare for another championship push.

One thing is clear: this transfer has not come to Baton Rouge to ride the bench or play a supporting role. She’s come to lead, to inspire, and to win.

The addition of a former five-star recruit and Notre Dame standout is a powerful statement by LSU women’s basketball. It shows that Kim Mulkey’s program remains a destination for the nation’s best talent and that the Tigers are all-in on chasing another title.

In an era where loyalty and legacy are redefined by opportunity and fit, this move benefits both player and program. For LSU, it’s another piece to the puzzle. For the player, it’s a chance to fulfill the potential that made her a household name in high school and a rising star in college.

Baton Rouge is buzzing. The fans are ready. The roster is loaded.

And now, the Tigers have another weapon in their arsenal—a battle-tested, high-IQ, high-impact player who’s ready to leave her mark on LSU’s next championship run.