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.
The 6’2″ wing from Frisco (TX) Legion Prep Academy chose the Fighting Irish over several other top women’s basketball programs pursuing her. Abii’s shortlist included Kim Mulkey’s LSU, Cori Close’s UCLA, Vic Schaefer’s Texas, and Kim Caldwell’s Tennessee.
Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale and Others React to Jacy Abii’s Commitment
Abii’s decision received support from Ogunbowale, a notable Notre Dame alum.
The Dallas Wings guard posted a shamrock emoji depicting the Fighting Irish heritage on Instagram under a post by ESPN reporting the news.
Abii responded with a blue heart and a shamrock.
Ogunbowale played college basketball for the Fighting Irish before being drafted by the Wings with the fifth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA draft.
Other college athletes also backed Abii, commenting on her Instagram announcement. Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo said, “Yesssuuuuhhhh!!!!” while UConn’s Kelis Fisher wrote, “Congratulations, proud of you.”
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Another UConn freshman, Kayleigh Heckel, also congratulated Abii. Leah Macy, also from Notre Dame, said in all caps, “IM SOO HAPPY OMGG” followed by heart-eyes emojis.
Jacy Abii Explains Notre Dame Commitment Decision
After announcing her commitment to the Fighting Irish, Abii explained to ESPN why she chose coach Niele Ivey over Mulkey, Close, and others.
“It’s more than basketball — it’s faith, family and a place where I’m seen as more than just a basketball player,” Abii said. “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.”
In a previous interview with Rivals, Abii emphasized how important it was for her to attend a college where the players’ health and fitness were a high priority.
“I think, going through my injury, that has kind of opened my eyes to just making sure that wherever I go, they’re going to take care of me and make sure that I can play for as long as I end up wanting to play for,” Abii had said.
Speaking of Notre Dame, Abii highlighted how impressed she was with Ivey and her staff, but more importantly, the culture.
“I think that’s one of the things that stands out for me. I love the culture there. I could see myself definitely fitting in with them pretty easily.”
Abii’s gifts lie in perimeter-focused forward versatility. Her good shooting and excellent passing skills make her a force to be reckoned with beyond the arc. She is also an incredible rebounder.
Abii is the third player from the 2026 class to commit to Notre Dame. Isabella Ragone, a small forward out of Georgia, and Isabella Sangha, a power forward out of Florida, committed to the Fighting Irish before her.
