Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Adds Wake Forest Transfer Malaya Cowles

In a significant move for the Notre Dame women’s basketball program, the Fighting Irish have secured a commitment from Wake Forest transfer Malaya Cowles. The 6-3 junior, who made an impact with the Demon Deacons over the past two seasons, will be joining the Fighting Irish in the upcoming 2025-2026 season, marking a promising addition to an already talented roster.

This transfer is a noteworthy addition to a program that has consistently been among the best in women’s college basketball. Cowles, who averaged 8.8 points per game (ppg) and 5.1 rebounds per game (rpg) this season, brings a combination of size, athleticism, and versatility that will help bolster Notre Dame’s lineup as they look to build on their success in the NCAA tournament and continue their championship aspirations.

Let’s take a deeper dive into Cowles’ journey, the impact she’s expected to have at Notre Dame, and how this move fits into the broader context of the Fighting Irish’s recruiting efforts.

Malaya Cowles spent two seasons with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, playing an integral role in their offense and defense. A standout player during her time at Wake Forest, Cowles developed into one of the team’s most reliable contributors.

Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, Cowles showcased her scoring ability and rebounding presence. With an average of 8.8 points per game, she provided Wake Forest with an essential offensive spark, often acting as a key option in critical moments. Additionally, her 5.1 rebounds per game made her a reliable presence on the boards, a skill that will certainly translate well to her time at Notre Dame.

Cowles also demonstrated an ability to impact games in various ways, not just through scoring and rebounding, but also with her defensive prowess. Standing at 6-3, her size made her a difficult matchup for many opponents, and her athleticism allowed her to contribute to both the fast break and half-court sets.

However, Cowles’ time at Wake Forest was not without challenges. As with any student-athlete, adapting to a new program and the pressures of the collegiate basketball environment can present hurdles. Yet, through hard work and determination, she carved out a significant role for herself on the team, and her decision to transfer was one rooted in the desire for a new challenge and an opportunity to elevate her game.

The decision to transfer to Notre Dame is one that will allow Cowles to take the next step in her basketball career. Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program is widely recognized as one of the premier programs in the country, consistently competing for national championships and producing professional-level talent.

Under head coach Niele Ivey, Notre Dame has become a top destination for high-caliber recruits and transfers alike. The program’s rich history of success, combined with Ivey’s leadership, has attracted some of the brightest stars in women’s college basketball, including current stars like Olivia Miles, and former players who have gone on to successful careers in the WNBA.

For Cowles, joining Notre Dame offers the opportunity to play on a national stage and showcase her skills in a program that regularly competes for championships. Additionally, the support and resources available to student-athletes at Notre Dame are second to none, which will only help Cowles continue to develop as a player.

One of the key factors that likely influenced Cowles’ decision to transfer was the chance to play in a program with championship aspirations. Wake Forest, while a respected program in the ACC, has not been able to reach the same level of sustained success as Notre Dame. By making the move to South Bend, Cowles places herself in a position to compete for Final Four appearances and potentially a national title, goals that will only further fuel her drive to improve.

Cowles’ addition to the Notre Dame roster has the potential to make a significant impact. The Fighting Irish are known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense, and Cowles’ ability to stretch the floor with her size and versatility will give head coach Niele Ivey more options as she looks to build a cohesive and dynamic unit for the upcoming season.

At 6-3, Cowles brings much-needed size to the Notre Dame frontcourt. The Fighting Irish have boasted a strong group of talented guards and wings in recent years, but the addition of Cowles helps balance the team by adding depth in the post. Her length and ability to rebound will help shore up an area where Notre Dame has occasionally been vulnerable in the past. She will bring physicality to the team’s interior defense and help create second-chance opportunities on offense.

Additionally, Cowles is known for her ability to stretch the floor. She has the capability to score both inside and outside, a versatility that will be crucial in Notre Dame’s up-tempo offensive system. Her ability to space the floor will open up driving lanes for guards like Olivia Miles, and her presence in the post will make it easier for the Fighting Irish to execute their inside-out game.

One of the aspects of Cowles’ game that will likely make her a perfect fit for Notre Dame is her defensive versatility. At Wake Forest, Cowles was often tasked with guarding both forward and center positions, utilizing her athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses. Her ability to guard multiple positions will allow Ivey to employ a more flexible defensive scheme and keep opponents on their toes.

The addition of Malaya Cowles is just the latest move in Notre Dame’s ongoing strategy to build a deep, talented roster that can compete for a national title every season. The Fighting Irish have been particularly successful in the transfer portal, adding experienced players who can make an immediate impact.

Ivey, who took over as head coach in 2020, has quickly established herself as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball. She has effectively utilized the transfer portal to supplement her recruiting efforts, bringing in key players like Maddy Westbeld, Dara Mabrey, and now Cowles to complement her homegrown talent.

Notre Dame’s commitment to developing players, both on and off the court, makes it an attractive destination for top-tier transfers. Ivey’s approach emphasizes a balanced game, focusing not only on individual talent but also on building a team-oriented culture. This has resonated with players like Cowles, who are looking for a program where they can develop their skills and compete at the highest level.

By continuing to recruit effectively in the transfer portal, Notre Dame has been able to maintain its status as a national contender, even as the landscape of women’s college basketball continues to evolve. Cowles’ addition to the roster is yet another sign that the Fighting Irish will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.

With the addition of Malaya Cowles, expectations are high for Notre Dame in the 2025-2026 season. The Fighting Irish will return a strong core of players, including star guard Olivia Miles, and the team is poised to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament. Cowles’ presence in the frontcourt will help provide balance to the roster, ensuring that Notre Dame remains one of the most complete teams in the country.

As a versatile, skilled forward, Cowles will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Her size and ability to play both inside and outside make her an ideal fit for the Fighting Irish’s fast-paced style of play. With the leadership of head coach Niele Ivey, Cowles is set to take her game to the next level and contribute to Notre Dame’s ongoing pursuit of a national title.

In conclusion, the addition of Malaya Cowles to Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program represents a major step forward for the Fighting Irish. Cowles brings talent, size, and experience to a team that has championship aspirations. With her skills and versatility, she will be an integral part of Notre Dame’s future success, and fans can expect big things from her in the seasons to come.