Tommy Ahneman’s freshman campaign at Notre Dame was cut short in October 2025 when he underwent left knee surgery, forcing him to miss the entire season. The setback could have prompted a move through the transfer portal, but the forward elected to remain with the Fighting Irish, signaling a rare show of loyalty in a period of flux.
A Commitment in a Shifting Landscape
The spring of 2025 saw six of the team’s core rotation players depart, leaving a void that could have been filled by newcomers. Yet Ahneman, who had committed to Notre Dame as a high school junior and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in North Dakota, stayed put, drawn by the program’s direction and the coaching staff’s vision.
Former associate head coach Kyle Getter reinforced that decision, encouraging Ahneman to stay and highlighting the belief head coach Micah Shrewsberry has in the team’s trajectory. The forward now anticipates a role in the 2025‑26 season, potentially as a backup big behind starter Logan Duncomb.
Ahneman’s choice underscores a broader narrative of retention amid the transfer portal’s pull. While many peers opted to explore new opportunities, he elected to honor the commitments made as a junior, trusting that the Fighting Irish will capitalize on the experience and chemistry he brings to the roster.