Hours after losing KK Bransford to the transfer portal, Notre Dame women’s basketball added a player to its roster in former Louisville forward Anaya Hardy.
The 6-foot-3 incoming junior started 27 games for the Cardinals this past season, averaging 4.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
“We are so excited to welcome Anaya to our Notre Dame family!” Irish coach Niele Ivey said in a press release announcing Hardy’s arrival Friday, April 17. “She brings great energy and presence to our front court, and her athleticism will light up the arena. Her ability to run the floor, rebound and defend at a high level will make an immediate impact.”
Notre Dame was looking for some help in the frontcourt, and Hardy will provide that. The Irish’s three main taller players last year – Makayla Cowles, Gisela Sanchez and Cassandre Prosper – either graduated or went to the WNBA. Prosper was drafted in the second round of the WNBA Draft earlier this week.
Hardy will join a lineup led by reigning ACC Player of the Year Hannah Hidalgo, who has rewritten the Irish record books in her three seasons. Notre Dame is also bringing in five, top-100 freshman recruits. While that should provide a solid base for the team, they are still likely to seek out other transfers.
Players can enter the portal by Monday, April 20. They can make a decision anytime after they enter the portal, meaning more player movement can happen even after the portal closes.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Anaya Hardy transfers from Louisville to Notre Dame women’s basketball
Reporting by Austin Hough, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
