Notre Dame Guard Bella Ragone Cleared for Return
Freshman Bella Ragone has received medical clearance to return to action for Notre Dame after an 11.5-month recovery.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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Notre Dame freshman guard Bella Ragone is back on the court following an 11.5-month injury absence. She was officially granted medical clearance to resume basketball activities earlier this month.
Why it matters
Ragone's return bolsters the Notre Dame roster as the team prepares for its high-profile season opener against Villanova. Her integration into practice comes after nearly a year spent rehabbing from her injury.
Ragone's recovery period spanned 11.5 months since the onset of her injury in November 2025. She recently progressed from individual drills to full five-on-five team practices.
The players
Bella Ragone
She is a freshman guard for the Notre Dame women's basketball team who has been working through an extensive rehabilitation program.
Notre Dame
The university is a major athletic institution based in South Bend that competes in NCAA Division I basketball.
The details
The freshman guard successfully navigated a return-to-play protocol that began with one-on-one sessions before advancing to full-contact team action. She has since been adapting to the physical pace of college basketball practices in South Bend.
Timeline
November 2025: The injury forced Ragone to the sidelines for 11.5 months.
October 2026: Ragone received medical clearance to return two weeks prior to October 22.
Season Trajectory
Ragone's return provides a late-offseason boost to the Notre Dame rotation ahead of their international kickoff. Her availability impacts the depth chart as the program looks to establish its rhythm during the season opener in Rome.
The return of the freshman guard increases the available personnel for Notre Dame in the backcourt heading into the season opener. Her progression through full-contact drills suggests she will be available for selection when the team travels to Rome.
The takeaway
An 11.5-month recovery period highlights the intensity of the return-to-play process for collegiate athletes. Fans should look for Ragone to be integrated slowly as she adjusts to the speed of live competition.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the South Bend Basketball page.
Live Poll
Is it better to return to athletic competition gradually rather than immediately after recovering from injury?
