SOUTH BEND, Ind. — In the midst of a 3-0 start to the 2025-26 season, Notre Dame women’s basketball and Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach Niele Ivey has begun to sign the future of the program with the 2026 high school class.
Ivey on the class:
“I am honored, blessed, and grateful to welcome one of the best classes in Notre Dame Women’s Basketball history! There is a unique and special energy in our program right now — a revival of faith, trust, and competitive spirit.
“I firmly believe that with God, anything is possible. He has perfectly aligned and handpicked the talent and character of this incredible class.
“This is an army of young women — talented, unselfish, skilled, and full of faith — who I am excited to lead. They represent the foundational pillars that will impact the future of our program in a positive and transformative way.”
Jacy Abii – 6-2 // Forward // Frisco, Texas (Legion Prep)
Abii has extensive experience with USA Basketball, including averaging 8.3 points per game at the 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup. She was also a member of the U16 FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship team in 2023. A five-star recruit, Abii is the No. 9 ranked player in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100.
Ivey on Abii: “Jacy is an exceptionally skilled, perimeter-oriented forward who impacts the game as a scorer, passer, and rebounder. Her versatility and relentless work ethic make her a true stat-stuffer and a program-changing player. Beyond her talent, her leadership and drive to be the best elevate everyone around her.”
Amari Byles — 6-2 // Power Forward // Dallas, Texas (Faith Family Academy)
Byles joins the Irish as the No. 37 recruit in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100 rankings. She brings the ability to play multiple positions, even stepping outside to shoot the deep ball at times. A fixture on the national high school basketball scene, Byles recently participated in the 2024 USA Women’s U17 National Team trials and also did the same in the previous season for the U16 team.
Ivey on Byles: “Amari adds tremendous depth to our frontcourt. She’s an athletic, versatile forward who can stretch the floor to the three-point line, dominate the elbows, and attack the rim. Her versatility, athleticism and rebounding will make her an immediate asset to our team.
Bella Ragone — 6-2 // Shooting Forward // Hoschton, Ga. (Mill Creek)
Currently ranked No. 30 in the nation according to the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100, Ragone brings versatility to the wing position. As a junior, Ragone posted 23 points and 1.1 rebounds per game, earning Georgia High School Association First Team All-State honors and leading Mill Creek to its first state tournament win since 2018.
Additionally, Ragone has attended multiple USA Basketball minicamps throughout high school, including the 2025 Women’s Junior National Team minicamp in Tampa and the 2024 USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team minicamp in Portland. She was also a finalist for the 2023 USA Women’s U16 National Team.
Ivey on Ragone: “Our first commitment, Bella Ragone comes from a family of accomplished athletes — her father was a standout college quarterback, and her mother an elite college basketball player. A highly skilled offensive threat, Bella can score at all three levels and brings exceptional size, versatility and basketball IQ to the floor. Her blend of athleticism, competitiveness and leadership will make an immediate impact and fit seamlessly into our offensive system.
Isabella Sangha — 6-3 // Post // Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Pine Crest)
The No. 81 recruit in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100, Sangha will play both basketball and volleyball for Notre Dame. According to MaxPreps, Sangha averaged 27.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game as a junior. She owns the Pine Crest school record with 41 points in a single game.
Ivey on Sangha: “Isabella brings size, athleticism and toughness to our frontcourt, with a strong focus on defense and rebounding. She’s only beginning to tap into her potential, and I’m excited to help her grow and develop.”