Notre Dame Lands Top 2026 Recruit Jacy Abii, Bolstering Women’s Basketball Future
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Notre Dame has secured a commitment from Jacy Abii, the No. 9 ranked player in the 2026 class, signaling a significant win for coach Niele Ivey and the Fighting Irish program. The 6-foot-2 forward chose Notre Dame over several prominent programs, including UCLA, Tennessee, Texas, and LSU.
A Commitment Rooted in Values
Abii’s decision extends beyond the basketball court, emphasizing a search for a program aligned with her personal values. “It’s more than basketball — it’s faith, family and a place where I’m seen as more than just a basketball player,” Abii told ESPN. She expressed feeling a strong connection to the Notre Dame community from her first visit, stating, “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the love, the opportunity and the calling to be part of something bigger than myself. I’m blessed to call Notre Dame home.”
Overcoming Adversity and Rising to Prominence
Abii’s path to becoming a highly sought-after recruit has included overcoming a significant setback. She unfortunately missed her entire junior season due to an ACL injury sustained during an Overtime Select circuit event last summer. Despite a limited playing schedule this summer, she demonstrated encouraging signs of returning to her previous form. Prior to the injury, Abii played a key role in leading Frisco Liberty (Texas) to two state championships before transferring to Legion Prep in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
A Versatile Player with High Potential
Analysts describe Abii as a versatile perimeter-oriented forward with a well-rounded skillset. She excels in shooting and facilitating the offense, possessing a particularly gifted passing ability. Her development as a threat from beyond the arc, combined with her exceptional rebounding skills, makes her a dynamic player. San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox, whose Under Armour team Abii plays for, highlighted her impact, stating, “Jacy is a versatile playmaker who can dominate on both sides of the ball. She creates mismatches wherever she is on the floor, and that will prove invaluable in Notre Dame’s system.”
Building for the Future: Notre Dame’s 2026 Class
Abii is the third commitment to Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class. She joins Isabella Ragone, a small forward ranked No. 30 nationally and hailing from Georgia, and Isabella Sangha, a power forward from Florida ranked No. 81.
Notre Dame strategically re-evaluated its roster for the 2025-26 season through the transfer portal, but the program is now heavily focused on building a strong foundation for the future with this promising 2026 class. This commitment from Abii underscores Notre Dame’s commitment to sustained success in women’s basketball.
