<\/p>\n
Jacy Abii, one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, committed to Notre Dame on Saturday, which drew a reaction from WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale.<\/p>\n
The 6\u20192\u2033 wing from Frisco (TX) Legion Prep Academy chose the Fighting Irish over several other top women\u2019s basketball programs pursuing her. Abii\u2019s shortlist included Kim Mulkey\u2019s LSU, Cori Close\u2019s UCLA, Vic Schaefer\u2019s Texas, and Kim Caldwell\u2019s Tennessee.<\/p>\n
Dallas Wings\u2019 Arike Ogunbowale and Others React to Jacy Abii\u2019s Commitment<\/p>\n
Abii\u2019s decision received support from Ogunbowale, a notable Notre Dame alum.<\/p>\n
The Dallas Wings guard posted a shamrock emoji depicting the Fighting Irish heritage on Instagram under a post by ESPN reporting<\/a> the news.<\/p>\n Abii responded with a blue heart and a shamrock.<\/p>\n Ogunbowale played college basketball for the Fighting Irish before being drafted by the Wings with the fifth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA draft.<\/p>\n Other college athletes also backed Abii, commenting on her Instagram announcement<\/a>. Notre Dame\u2019s Hannah Hidalgo said, \u201cYesssuuuuhhhh!!!!\u201d while UConn\u2019s Kelis Fisher wrote, \u201cCongratulations, proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Another UConn freshman, Kayleigh Heckel, also congratulated Abii. Leah Macy, also from Notre Dame, said in all caps, \u201cIM SOO HAPPY OMGG\u201d followed by heart-eyes emojis.<\/p>\n Jacy Abii Explains Notre Dame Commitment Decision<\/p>\n After announcing her commitment to the Fighting Irish, Abii explained\u00a0to ESPN<\/a> why she chose coach Niele Ivey over Mulkey<\/a>, Close, and others.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s more than basketball \u2014 it\u2019s faith, family and a place where I\u2019m seen as more than just a basketball player,\u201d Abii said. \u201cFrom the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the love, the opportunity and the calling to be part of something bigger than myself. I\u2019m blessed to call Notre Dame home.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n