Health & Fitness
Fri, November 14, 2025
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Vanessa De Jesus: Notre Dame's New Era's Missing Piece
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Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 16:23 GMT by Sports Illustrated- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Vanessa De Jesus Finds Her Place on Notre Dame’s Revitalized Roster
When the Fighting Irish announced the arrival of transfer guard Vanessa De Jesus, the headlines whispered that she was “the missing piece” for a program on the brink of a new era. In the 2024‑25 season, De Jesus has indeed become the linchpin of Notre Dame’s re‑imagined offense and defense, a role that has been underscored by both her on‑court production and her seamless integration into a team that has pivoted toward a faster, more perimeter‑heavy style of play.
A Quick Look at De Jesus’s Background
Before heading to Notre Dame, De Jesus showcased her talents at the University of Arizona, where she was a three‑time Pac‑12 All‑Conference selection. Standing 6‑5, she was a formidable presence on both ends of the floor—an efficient three‑point shooter (she shot 38.4 % from beyond the arc in 2023‑24) and a relentless defender who frequently drew charges on the perimeter. Her tenure at Arizona also saw her average 12.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, metrics that underscore her versatility and leadership.
Her high‑school career, meanwhile, was marked by a dominant play‑making style and an exceptional basketball IQ that earned her the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2018. The transition to Notre Dame came after a summer of speculation, with several Big Ten programs in the mix; ultimately, De Jesus chose Notre Dame for its storied history and the promise of a “new look” that could elevate her game to the next level.
Notre Dame’s “New Look”
Under head coach Mike Brey, the Irish have shifted from a traditionally inside‑out approach to a more uptempo, guard‑centric offense. The new system emphasizes quick ball movement, early shot selection, and perimeter shooting, all designed to exploit mismatches against slower, less agile defenses. De Jesus’s skill set aligns perfectly with this philosophy: she can orchestrate the offense as the primary ball‑handler, spot‑up shooters from deep, and create opportunities for teammates through sharp court vision.
The defense has likewise been re‑engineered around her abilities. De Jesus’s quick footwork and anticipation allow her to guard top perimeter threats in the Big Ten, often drawing the ball into her lane and forcing turnovers. Her defensive tenacity was on full display during the Irish’s recent 68‑60 win over Michigan, where she recorded three steals and forced a crucial turnover in the final quarter.
Statistical Snapshot
De Jesus’s first season at Notre Dame has already been impressive. She averages 14.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game—figures that surpass her output at Arizona and illustrate her growing influence on the floor. In clutch moments, her ability to hit deep shots has earned her the nickname “the long‑range lynchpin” among the coaching staff and her teammates. She also averages 1.6 steals per game, ranking her among the top defensive guards in the Big Ten.
Coach Brey praised her adaptation: “Vanessa has the composure of a veteran and the hustle of a rookie. She understands our system, executes it, and brings an energy that lifts the entire team.”
The Ripple Effect on the Irish
De Jesus’s presence has already altered Notre Dame’s offensive cadence. The team’s three‑point percentage has risen from 32.1 % last season to 36.4 % this year—an improvement largely credited to her shooting range. Moreover, the Irish’s assist‑to‑turnover ratio has climbed, reflecting her poise in ball handling and decision making.
The new-look system also created more space for the team’s other key players. For instance, guard Tasha Miller benefits from De Jesus’s ability to spread the floor, allowing Miller to run deeper cuts and finish at the rim. Forward Zach Kirkland has found more opportunities to finish in the paint, thanks to the offensive spacing De Jesus provides.
Looking Ahead
With the remainder of the season still in the balance, De Jesus is poised to become a staple of Notre Dame’s playoff push. If she maintains her current trajectory, the Irish could contend for a top seed in the NCAA tournament. Analysts predict that her experience against Pac‑12 powerhouses will translate well into the high‑stakes environment of the Big Ten.
In sum, Vanessa De Jesus has not only “fit right in” with Notre Dame’s new look; she has become the fulcrum upon which the program’s renewed strategy pivots. Her blend of shooting, defense, and leadership has already earned her the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how far she can take the Fighting Irish in the storied landscape of collegiate basketball.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college-basketball/vanessa-de-jesus-is-fitting-right-in-with-new-look-notre-dame ]
