As the college basketball season rapidly approaches, the Notre Dame women's team is making waves with a slew of preseason accolades. With six players earning recognition on prestigious award watch lists, the Irish are primed to make a statement on the national stage.

Elevating the Game: Notre Dame's Standout Performers Earn Prestigious Honors

Orchestrating the Offense: Hidalgo and Miles Earn Point Guard of the Year Nod

The Notre Dame women's basketball team boasts a dynamic duo at the point guard position, with both Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles earning a spot on the prestigious Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award watch list. These two talented floor generals will be the driving force behind the Irish's offensive firepower, orchestrating the team's attack with precision and vision. Hidalgo, a rising star, showcases her playmaking abilities and court awareness, while the experienced Miles brings a veteran presence and a knack for making her teammates better. Together, they form a formidable backcourt that will be a nightmare for opposing defenses to handle.

Sniping from the Perimeter: Citron Earns Shooting Guard of the Year Nomination

Sonia Citron, the sharpshooter from Notre Dame, has been recognized for her prowess on the offensive end by earning a spot on the Ann Meyers-Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award watch list. Citron's ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc will be a crucial asset for the Irish, as she can stretch the defense and create open looks for her teammates. Her consistent scoring touch and clutch performances have made her a go-to option for the team, and this preseason honor is a testament to her hard work and dedication to honing her craft.

Dominating the Paint: Westbeld, Karlen, and King Earn Power Forward of the Year Nod

The Notre Dame frontcourt is a force to be reckoned with, as three players – Maddy Westbeld, Liza Karlen, and Liatu King – have been named to the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Award watch list. These three versatile forwards bring a unique blend of size, strength, and skill to the table, making them a nightmare for opposing teams to handle. Westbeld's all-around game, Karlen's relentless energy, and King's defensive prowess will be crucial in establishing the Irish's presence in the paint and controlling the boards. Their collective dominance in the frontcourt will be a key factor in Notre Dame's success this season.

Embracing the Challenge: Head Coach Niele Ivey Excited for the Season Ahead

Head coach Niele Ivey has expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season, highlighting the team's depth and the return of key players like Olivia Miles and Cass Prosper. Ivey's comments after the team's exhibition win over Davenport showcase her confidence in the squad's ability to compete at the highest level. "It was just a lot of great basketball. Really good basketball, the pace was great. . . Got a lot of different contributions from a lot of different players. Had almost a triple-double from a couple different players, so really pleased with the effort and excited to get back to work and prepare for our home opener," Ivey said.

Tipping Off the Season: Notre Dame Prepares for Home Opener Against Mercyhurst

The Irish will open their regular season at home on Monday, November 7th, as they welcome Mercyhurst to Purcell Pavilion. This early-season matchup will be the first of just two home games for Notre Dame in the month of November, setting the stage for a challenging but exciting start to the campaign. With the team's wealth of talent and the high expectations surrounding them, the Irish faithful will be eager to see their squad in action and witness the potential of this talented roster.