Leah Macy Returns for Notre Dame Basketball

The 6-foot-2 forward makes her long-awaited debut after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to a knee injury.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball

Leah Macy Returns for Notre Dame Basketball

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Notre Dame forward Leah Macy returned to active play for the 2026-27 season following a year spent sidelined by a right knee injury. Macy made her highly anticipated debut during an exhibition game on October 26, 2026.

Why it matters

Her return provides a major boost to the Irish lineup, as the former high school standout finally gets to compete at the collegiate level after medical clearance during the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Macy recorded 22 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals across 30 minutes of play. She finished the exhibition game against Truman State with a dominant +63 plus/minus rating.

The players

Leah Macy

A 6-foot-2 forward for the Notre Dame women's basketball team who previously recorded over 3,000 points and 2,000 rebounds in high school.

Notre Dame

The South Bend university whose women's basketball program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Truman State

An NCAA Division II university that faced Notre Dame in a preseason exhibition basketball contest.

The details

After missing the entire 2025-26 campaign while rehabilitating a knee injury, Macy proved her readiness by filling the stat sheet in her return. She previously spent March 2026 working with a personal trainer in Kentucky to prepare for this season.

March 2026: Macy returned to Kentucky to resume basketball activities with a personal trainer.
2026 NCAA Tournament: Macy received medical clearance to return to play.
October 26, 2026: Macy debuted for Notre Dame in an exhibition game against Truman State.
2026-27 season: Macy competes for the Notre Dame women's basketball team.

Season Trajectory

Macy's return significantly alters the Irish rotation, providing depth and veteran-level production from a player who dominated the high school landscape. Her ability to contribute immediately suggests Notre Dame could climb the conference standings throughout the 2026-27 season.

Macy logged 30 minutes in her debut, signaling she is a primary option for the team's upcoming rotation. Her ability to record nine assists while scoring 22 points indicates she will be a focal point for the team's offensive efficiency this season.

The takeaway

Macy's performance shows that even a long-term injury recovery does not necessarily diminish a high-level prospect's output. Fans and team staff will watch her durability closely as the intensity of the season ramps up.