Eve Long, a standout recruit from the class of 2026, revealed her decision to join Notre Dame's women's basketball program, a move that underscores her focus on long‑term relationships and team culture.
Long explained that loyalty drives her choice, stating she intends to remain with the Irish for all four years of her collegiate career. She believes the program offers a clear pathway to compete for a national championship.
Building Personal Connections
Head coach Niele Ivey played a pivotal role in the recruitment, fostering a welcoming environment that resonated with Long during multiple campus visits. Conversations with Ivey and her staff highlighted a family‑like atmosphere that contrasted with the more transactional recruiting pitches she received from other programs.
The influence of current Irish star Hannah Hidalgo also weighed heavily on Long's decision. Observing Hidalgo's bond with the coaching staff and her rapid development convinced Long that Notre Dame invests heavily in player growth.
A Vision for the Future
Long cited the strong recruiting class and the presence of teammates such as Cassandre Prosper, whose recent improvement illustrated the program's commitment to elevating talent. She also noted the impact of fellow commit Jacy Abii, whom she has known since seventh grade, and new teammate Amari Byles.
Beyond relationships, Long outlined specific areas she hopes to refine: her jump shot, ball‑handling, defensive intensity, and finishing ability in the post. She enters college with a versatile skill set, having already amassed 1,518 high school points and extensive experience with USA Basketball's U17 national team and the Overtime Select league.
Her ultimate goal is to contribute to a championship‑contending squad. Long sees the Irish's future as bright, projecting that the blend of incoming talent and returning veterans could position the team among the nation's elite.