Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Fighting Irish players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Slovenian Jessica Shepard, a 6'4'' forward who is 29 years old and graduated from Notre Dame in 2019, is currently playing professionally in the WNBA. Known for her pivotal role in helping Notre Dame secure the ACC Regular Season Co-Champion title in 2019, Shepard now showcases her talents with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. In a recent game against the Chicago Sky, Shepard led the Dallas Wings to a resounding victory with a final score of 99-89. She displayed an impressive performance by achieving a rare triple-double, scoring 18 points, securing 10 rebounds, and distributing 12 assists, all within just 31 minutes of playtime. Despite the Dallas Wings holding a somewhat modest 4-3 record so far this season, it is important to note that this is still the early stages of the season, leaving room for potential changes and improvements. Shepard's exceptional skills and significant contributions on the court against Chicago S not only aided in securing the victory for her team but also earned her the title of champion of the game. Her noteworthy season stats, including averaging 11.7 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game (the second-best in the league), and 6.0 assists per game, further highlight her impact and importance to the Dallas Wings. Additionally, it is interesting to mention that Shepard holds both American and Slovenian citizenship, allowing her the opportunity to play in Slovenia as a domestic player and further showcasing her versatility and international connections in the world of basketball.
#2. Arike Ogunbowale, a 29-year-old point guard standing at 5'8" and an alumna of the Fighting Irish from 2019, played a crucial role in helping her team secure the ACC Regular Season Co-Champion title that year. She currently competes professionally in the WNBA and is teammates with Jessica Shepard, with whom she recently played in the championship game. In a recent matchup against the Chicago Sky, Ogunbowale was instrumental in leading the Dallas Wings to a 99-89 victory. She showcased her skills by scoring 23 points, making 5 assists, and displaying a flawless 5-for-5 performance from the free-throw line, all within a 32-minute timeframe. Ogunbowale's standout performance against the Chicago Sky, where she contributed 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists, was pivotal in securing the win for her team, making her a champion in that game. Throughout the season, she has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 15.4 points per game, along with 2.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
#3. Olivia Miles, a 5'10'' guard who is 23 years old and graduated from TCU in 2026 after playing for Notre Dame between 2020 and 2025, has transitioned to playing professionally in the WNBA. In a recent game, she led the Minnesota Lynx to a crucial victory against the Chicago Sky in the Women's National Basketball Association, with a final score of 85-75. Despite the Lynx having a somewhat weak 4-2 record this season, Miles showcased her talent by scoring 14 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists in 33 minutes of play. This remarkable performance is even more impressive considering it is her first season in professional basketball. Miles' contributions on the court were vital in securing the victory for her team, leading them to be crowned as the champion. Her overall stats for the season, including an average of 15.0 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, 5.5 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game, highlight her significant impact and skill level as a finalist.
#4. Sonia Citron, a 6'1'' guard and 22-year-old alumna of Fighting Irish from 2025, was recognized as a Wade Trophy (Player of the Year) Finalist for her outstanding performance. Currently playing professionally in the WNBA, she recently competed for the Washington Mystics (2-3) but unfortunately couldn't help secure a win in their game against the Seattle Storm last Sunday. Despite her strong showing on the court, the Washington Mystics (#6) were defeated 97-85 on the road. In the match against the Seattle Storm, Citron displayed her scoring prowess by leading her team with 16 points. Additionally, she contributed 5 rebounds during her 32 minutes of play. This season marks Citron's debut with the Washington Mystics, where she has been delivering impressive performances consistently. Against the Seattle Storm, Citron showcased her skills by scoring 16 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and providing 2 assists. Despite her remarkable individual efforts, the team fell short of securing a victory in the game. Throughout the season, Citron has maintained high statistics, averaging 17.5 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, 2.3 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game.
#5. Skylar Diggins-Smith, a seasoned 5'9'' point guard at 35 years old and a graduate of Notre Dame in 2013, has been making waves in the WNBA as a professional player. In a recent game, she faced off against the aforementioned Olivia Miles in the Women's National Basketball Association. Unfortunately, Diggins-Smith's efforts were not enough to propel the Chicago Sky (3-3) to victory in their match last Saturday. Despite putting up solid numbers, including 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in 32 minutes of play, her team fell short against the Minnesota Lynx, losing 85-75 in Minneapolis. Diggins-Smith, the standout performer for the Chicago Sky (#3), showcased her skills with an impressive stat line of 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in the game against the Minnesota Lynx. Her consistent performance throughout the season is reflected in her solid statistics of 12.8 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 5.4 assists per game. Though she continues to excel individually, Diggins-Smith is determined to lead her team to success and strive for the ultimate goal of becoming a champion in the WNBA.
#6. Experienced veteran Kayla McBride, standing at 5'11'' and 33 years old, is a former Fighting Irish alumna from the class of 2014 where she played a crucial role in helping them clinch the ACC Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently, she showcases her skills in the WNBA as a standout player. In a recent Women's National Basketball Association match, McBride, a teammate of the aforementioned Olivia Miles, demonstrated her prowess on the court. She notably led the Minnesota Lynx to a decisive 85-75 victory over the Chicago Sky. McBride's impressive performance included scoring 13 points, securing 6 rebounds, and providing 4 assists all within 35 minutes of play. Her contributions were instrumental in guiding her team to success, ultimately earning her the title of champion in the game. Throughout this season, McBride has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.8 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, 2.3 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game.
#7. Liatu King, a 6'0'' forward aged 24, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2025 after helping the team to win the ACC Regular Season Co-Champion title, now plays professionally in the WNBA. She is teammates with Olivia Miles. In a recent game in the Women's National Basketball Association, King made significant contributions to her team's dominant victory over the Toronto Tempo, with a final score of 100-72. During the game, she showcased her skills by scoring 9 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play. Her impressive performance on the court not only helped her team secure the win but also played a vital role in her emerging as the finalist in the match. Throughout this season, King has maintained an average of 4.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 1.5 blocks per game, showcasing her consistent and valuable presence on the court.
#8. Canadian champion Cassandre Prosper, a 6'3'' guard who is only 20 years old and an alumna of the Fighting Irish from 2026, has been making waves in the WNBA. She recently received the All-ACC Most Improved Player of the Year award, showcasing her talent and hard work. Prosper currently plays alongside the previously mentioned Sonia Citron, and the two were part of the same team in the latest Women's National Basketball Association game. Unfortunately, Prosper and her team, the Washington Mystics, fell short against the Seattle Storm in the final, with a scoreline of 97-85. Despite her efforts, Prosper's individual performance in the game was not at its peak, as she only managed to score 2 points in 22 minutes of play. Although she did impress by contributing with 2 assists, the result was not in her team's favor. Throughout this season, Prosper has maintained an average of 4.5 points per game, along with 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. While she may not consider the recent game against the Seattle Storm one of her best, her determination and skills as a champion are sure to lead her to future success in the league.
#9. Marina Mabrey, a 5'11'' point guard who graduated from Notre Dame in 2019 after helping them win the ACC Regular Season Co-Champion title, currently plays professionally in the WNBA. In a recent game for the Toronto Tempo, despite her outstanding performance, the team fell short in a close 98-90 defeat to their rivals, the Toronto T.. Mabrey showcased her skills by scoring 30 points, securing 5 rebounds, and delivering 3 assists in 32 minutes of play. Mabrey's remarkable display wasn't limited to that game; she also excelled in a matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, contributing significantly with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Her exceptional performance was pivotal in leading her team to victory, establishing her as the champion of that game. Throughout the season, Mabrey has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, demonstrating her consistent impact on the court as a finalist.
#10. Iyana Moore, a former Fighting Irish alumna from 2026 and current professional player in the UPSHOT league at a height of 5'8'', was unable to lead the Savannah Steel (1-3) to victory in their recent game last Sunday. Despite Moore's strong performance, the Savannah Steel team was narrowly defeated 78-75 by the Waves in Jacksonville. During the game, Moore displayed her skills by scoring 12 points in 28 minutes, making her the second-highest scorer for her team. She put forth an impressive effort against the Jacksonville Waves, contributing 12 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist. Despite her standout performance, the Savannah Steel ultimately fell short of securing a win. So far this season, Moore has been averaging 8.3 points per game, along with 1.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Though her individual stats have been solid, Moore is determined to continue striving for success and help her team achieve better results on the court.
Other former University of Notre Dame players, who play in pro basketball:
Kathryn Westbeld (6'3''-F-1996, played in 2014-18) plays for Miskolc in Hungarian A Division
Liza Karlen (6'2''-F-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Szekszard in Hungarian A Division
Maya Dodson (6'3''-F-1999, played in 2021-22) plays for Leganes in Spanish LF Endesa
Lauren Ebo (6'4''-C-2000, played in 2022-23) plays for Joventut in Spanish LF Endesa
Lindsay Allen (5'8''-PG-1995, played in 2013-17) plays for Dallas Wings in the WNBA
Maddy Westbeld (6'3''-F-2002, played in 2020-25) plays for Chicago Sky in the WNBA
Destinee Walker (5'10''-G-1997, played in 2019-21) played for Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters in British WSLB few monts ago
Dara Mabrey (5'7''-G-1999, played in 2018-23) plays for Norwood Flames in Australian NBL One
Jackie Young (6'0''-PG-1997, played in 2016-19) plays for Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA
Jewell Loyd (5'11''-PG-1993, played in 2011-15) plays for Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA
Brianna Turner (6'3''-F-1996, played in 2014-17) plays for Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Notre Dame basketball alumni.
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