KK Bransford to Redshirt This Season, Prioritizing Recovery

Photo byGayle Bell

SOUTH BEND – Notre Dame women's basketball guard KK Bransford has announced her decision to redshirt this season due to a persistent lower leg injury that has affected her performance. Bransford shared her news on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, expressing her commitment to regaining full strength.

"In recent years, I have been dealing with a lower leg injury that has hindered my play at Notre Dame," Bransford stated. "I want to thank the coaches, the medical staff, and the fans who have supported me while I've tried to play through it. After careful consideration, I believe it is in my best interest to redshirt this season."

Bransford, a 5-11 guard from Cincinnati, Ohio, will retain two seasons of eligibility following her redshirt. Last season, she appeared in 33 games, making seven starts, and averaged 6.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 25.7 minutes on the court. A former Ms. Ohio Basketball and a 2022 McDonald's All-American, she demonstrated her scoring ability with eight games in double figures, shooting 39% from the field and 78.4% from the free-throw line.

This decision comes on the heels of teammate Maddy Westbeld's announcement that she will miss the beginning of the season due to a lingering foot issue. The Irish finished the previous season with a strong 28-7 record and reached the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament, but the loss of both Bransford and Westbeld raises concerns for the upcoming campaign.

After a brief stint in the transfer portal following last season, Bransford ultimately chose to remain with the Irish, indicating her dedication to the program. As she focuses on recovery, fans and teammates will eagerly await her return to full strength in the future.