The Notre Dame women’s basketball team will be without one of their brightest up-and-coming stars for the 2024-25 season.
On Monday, Fighting Irish guard KK Bransford announced that she will be sidelined for the entire year while continuing to recover from a nagging lower leg injury. Taking to social media, the 5-foot-11 junior divulged her plans to utilize her redshirt season.
“Over the last couple of years, I have been dealing with a lower leg injury that has hindered my play at Notre Dame,” Bransford wrote in an official statement on X. “I want to thank the coaches, the medical staff, and the fans who have stuck with me while I’ve tried to play through it, but I have decided it is in my best interest to redshirt this season to get back to full strength.
- Kim Mulkey slammed by five-star LSU recruit who mysteriously left team
- JuJu Watkins played role in top recruit Jazzy Davidson’s ‘huge’ USC decision
“While I will be watching from the bench this year, I know that it is best that I take the time to fully heal so I can reach my full potential and help my team in the long run. I can’t wait to continue to grow as a player and teammate in the program. Even though I won’t be on the floor physically, I will be with my teammates every step of the way!”
During her first two years with the Fighting Irish, Bransford averaged 7.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 66 games – 19 of which were starts. On the heels of the 2023 campaign, however, the 2022 McDonald’s All-American flirted with the idea of leaving Notre Dame.
After averaging 6.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, two assists, and 1.2 steals, Bransford entered her name in the transfer portal. “I want to begin by expressing how grateful I am for my time wearing the blue and gold,” she wrote in a letter to ‘Irish nation.’
Follow us on Xfor the best and latest in sports news
KK Bransford averaged 6.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and two assists last season (
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“The last two years have changed me for the better, and I’m so lucky to have had these experiences. I want to thank Notre Dame, my coaches, my teammates, and the staff for always having my back. I’m especially thankful for coach Ivey who believed in me and gave me a chance at the highest level. I also want to give a shoutout to all of our fans who show up and cheer us on through all of the ups and downs. It has truly been a blessing, and I will never forget my time in South Bend.
“With that being said, after consulting with my family and leaning on prayer, I’ve decided it is in my best interest to explore my options and enter the transfer portal. Notre Dame will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
But Bransford soon after had a change of heart, opting to return to South Bend for a third year. Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey confirmed the news at a women’s basketball awards banquet back in April, telling those in attendance: “She’s just recovering [from an injury]. And KK will be back. Great news.”
Leave a Reply