Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Bolsters Roster with Kansas State Transfer

The Notre Dame women’s basketball team is continuing to rebuild its roster after significant changes, adding a key piece through the transfer portal. Gisela Sanchez, a 6-foot-4 forward from Barcelona, Spain, has committed to join the Fighting Irish for her senior season.

Sanchez comes to South Bend from Kansas State, where she played as a junior last season, averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

Sanchez will have one season of eligibility remaining, making her a valuable addition as Notre Dame looks to bolster its lineup for the upcoming season.

This marks the second player the Fighting Irish have secured from the transfer portal in recent days. Just last Friday, the team welcomed Malaya Cowles, a former forward from Wake Forest, who also joined Notre Dame in an effort to strengthen the team’s roster.

For Sanchez, the move to Notre Dame represents a major opportunity to showcase her skills on a national stage as part of a high-profile program.

The 6-foot-4 forward brings international experience and size to the frontcourt, adding depth to a team working hard to recover from recent roster changes.

Notre Dame’s coaching staff is clearly focused on making smart, impactful additions to the team, and Sanchez’s experience in the Big 12 will provide the Irish with an experienced and versatile player for the 2025-2026 season. With the Fighting Irish continuing to navigate the challenges of roster turnover, the addition of players like Sanchez and Cowles offers hope for a strong season ahead.

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Strengthens Roster with Kansas State Transfer Gisela Sanchez

The Notre Dame women’s basketball team is actively working to rebuild its roster after several key changes, and their latest addition comes in the form of Gisela Sanchez, a 6-foot-4 forward from Barcelona, Spain. Sanchez, who played the last season for Kansas State, has committed to joining the Fighting Irish for her final year of eligibility. With a solid background in the Big 12 Conference, Sanchez is expected to bring both size and experience to a team that is looking to regain its momentum.

During her junior season at Kansas State, Sanchez averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, contributing solid minutes for the Wildcats. While her stats may not have been eye-popping, her versatility on both ends of the floor and ability to contribute in various roles make her an important asset for Notre Dame. At 6-foot-4, Sanchez adds significant height to the Irish’s frontcourt, which will be critical in both offensive and defensive situations.

Sanchez’s move to Notre Dame is a part of the team’s larger strategy to strengthen its roster through the transfer portal, as the Fighting Irish continue to rebuild following some roster attrition. This is the second player the program has added from the transfer portal, following the commitment of former Wake Forest forward Malaya Cowles just last week. The back-to-back additions signal a focused effort by head coach Niele Ivey to bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately.

Sanchez’s journey to Notre Dame is one that connects to her deep love for basketball. Born in Barcelona, she has grown up with a passion for the game that led her to pursue a college career in the U.S. Her time at Kansas State helped her develop a well-rounded skill set, and now, with one final season of eligibility remaining, she’s eager to take her game to the next level in one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.

In addition to her on-court contributions, Sanchez’s international experience brings a unique dynamic to Notre Dame’s roster. As the team works to build chemistry and solidify its identity for the 2025-2026 season, Sanchez’s presence in the locker room and her knowledge of playing at a high level will be invaluable. Her versatility on both offense and defense will allow the Irish to make strategic rotations, giving them flexibility in matchups throughout the season.

Notre Dame’s commitment to adding seasoned players to its lineup doesn’t stop with Sanchez. The Irish are clearly focused on making the most of their transfer portal opportunities to ensure they are competitive in an increasingly tough college basketball landscape. With the additions of Sanchez and Cowles, Notre Dame is positioning itself for a strong run in the upcoming season, with both players expected to make an immediate impact.

For Sanchez, joining Notre Dame represents not only a personal and professional milestone but also an opportunity to showcase her skills on a national stage. With Notre Dame’s rich basketball tradition and a history of success, Sanchez is set to become a key player in the team’s efforts to reclaim its place among the elite in women’s college basketball. The Fighting Irish’s commitment to rebuilding and reshaping their roster bodes well for the future, and the addition of Sanchez is one more step toward regaining championship-level competition.

As the Irish prepare for the 2025-2026 season, they will look to Sanchez, along with their other new additions, to help lead the way back to prominence in college basketball. With her experience, size, and versatility, Sanchez is a key piece in the puzzle that will help Notre Dame continue its pursuit of excellence on the court.