Please Help Us Welcome Gisela Sanchez to Notre Dame: International Star Forward Brings Skill, Size, and Energy to Fighting Irish

The Notre Dame women’s basketball program has officially added another dynamic piece to its growing arsenal. Please help us welcome Gisela Sanchez, a versatile and internationally seasoned forward who is ready to bring her game, grit, and global experience to South Bend. Her arrival marks a significant addition for the Fighting Irish as they aim to continue their rise among the elite programs in the NCAA.

Sanchez, who hails from Spain, has spent the past few years building her résumé with a rare blend of high-level international competition and NCAA experience. At 6-foot-3, she possesses the size and length to be a presence in the paint, but it’s her fluidity, court vision, and perimeter versatility that truly set her apart from a traditional forward. Whether she’s attacking from the high post, defending multiple positions, or stretching the floor with her shooting, Sanchez checks all the boxes of a modern-day collegiate forward.

She comes to Notre Dame after making her mark on the European stage, competing for Spain in multiple FIBA youth competitions and earning respect as one of the country’s rising stars. Her basketball IQ, maturity, and poise under pressure are trademarks of players who have developed in high-level systems overseas. For the Fighting Irish, that means Sanchez enters the ACC not just as a skilled player, but as a seasoned competitor used to big moments on big stages.

The excitement around her commitment is palpable in South Bend. Head coach Niele Ivey and her staff have prioritized building a balanced, deep roster that can run, defend, and adapt on the fly. In Sanchez, they’ve found a player who perfectly aligns with that vision.

“Gisela is the kind of player every coach dreams of having,” Coach Ivey said in a statement. “She brings incredible versatility, a strong work ethic, and a level of maturity that will elevate our entire team. Her international experience gives her a unique edge, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Notre Dame family.”

Sanchez’s road to Notre Dame has been defined by discipline, adaptability, and a fierce love for the game. Born and raised in Spain, she developed her foundational skills in one of Europe’s most competitive basketball environments. That early exposure to structured team play, advanced skill development, and tactical coaching gave her an advantage that translates well into the American college game.

On the international circuit, she made headlines during the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she played a pivotal role for Spain. Her performances there drew the attention of coaches and scouts worldwide, as she showcased the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor against elite global talent. Whether it was grabbing key rebounds, making the extra pass, or locking down opponents on defense, Sanchez consistently found ways to impact the game.

Her basketball journey took another step forward in the NCAA, where she competed for the University of Maine during the 2023–24 season. In her freshman year, Sanchez averaged 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, showing flashes of brilliance as she adapted to the pace and physicality of the college game. While Maine was a smaller program on the national stage, Sanchez stood out with her effort, leadership, and steady development throughout the season.

Now, she brings that experience to a Notre Dame team that has its eyes set on a national championship. The Fighting Irish boast one of the most promising young cores in women’s college basketball, led by returning stars like Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron. With Sanchez now in the fold, the frontcourt gets a major boost—not just in size, but in skill and strategic flexibility.

Sanchez’s impact is expected to be felt in multiple ways. Offensively, she can post up smaller defenders, face up and drive, or knock down midrange jumpers with confidence. Her passing ability out of the high post and on the break makes her a connector in Notre Dame’s fluid offensive schemes. Defensively, her length allows her to alter shots, switch onto guards, and help on the glass.

But beyond the numbers, what truly makes Sanchez special is her leadership presence and competitive drive. Teammates and coaches alike speak highly of her vocal nature on the court, her unselfishness, and her relentless approach to improvement. She’s the kind of player who doesn’t just show up for practice—she shows up early, stays late, and makes everyone around her better.

That mindset fits perfectly with the culture Coach Ivey has cultivated in South Bend. Notre Dame is a program steeped in tradition and excellence, where student-athletes are expected to excel both on the court and in the classroom. Sanchez, fluent in multiple languages and with a strong academic background, embodies that balance of athletic and academic achievement.

“I’ve always admired Notre Dame for its legacy and standards,” Sanchez said during her official visit. “The moment I stepped on campus, I felt the energy and family atmosphere. I want to grow as a player and person, and I believe Notre Dame is the best place for that.”

For a program with a legacy that includes multiple Final Four runs and a national championship, the arrival of Sanchez isn’t just about talent acquisition—it’s about culture building and sustainable success. Notre Dame has always thrived when blending homegrown talent with international flavor, and Sanchez is the latest in a line of impactful global players to don the blue and gold.

The 2025–26 season is shaping up to be one of anticipation and high stakes for the Irish. With Hidalgo emerging as a legitimate national player of the year candidate and Coach Ivey entering her fifth year at the helm, the foundation is set. The addition of Gisela Sanchez adds another layer of depth, experience, and championship ambition to a roster that looks ready to compete with anyone in the country.

Fans can expect to see Sanchez in a variety of roles—starting, coming off the bench, playing multiple positions—whatever it takes to win. That’s how she’s always approached the game. And that’s exactly what makes her a perfect fit for Notre Dame.

As the season nears, Irish fans are encouraged to get familiar with the name Gisela Sanchez. Whether she’s making a key defensive stop, delivering a no-look pass, or crashing the boards with authority, she’s going to leave her mark. Her journey from Spain to Maine to South Bend is just beginning its most exciting chapter yet.

Please help us welcome Gisela Sanchez to Notre Dame—she’s here, she’s ready, and she’s bringing the kind of energy that wins championships.