Olivia Wagoner giving Notre Dame a different level on both ends of the court

Expectations for the Notre Dame Bulldogs were high with the young talent they have on their roster.

When Olivia Wagoner transferred to Notre Dame, those expectations got even higher as she would be joining the likes of Brie and Kate Rubel and Neveah Lucious.

Wagoner made her Notre Dame debut on Nov. 30 against Kennett and her impact was felt instantly.

She poured in 17-points on 6-for-10 shooting and knocked down 5 free throws in the process.

Following that game, Notre Dame coach Kirk Boeller had high praise for the junior.

“She’s an athlete,” Boeller said. “She’s a tough kid, she’s talented and she’s got great hands around the basket. Her first game as a Bulldog and she did a phenomenal job.”

Boeller also talked about the impact Wagoner’s inside presence has for the other four on the floor.

“It’s so good for our guards,” Boeller said. “We knocked down several threes tonight because they were so focused on guarding the inside. That addition has made everybody on the team that much better.”

Perhaps the craziest thing about that is it was just her first game when Boeller said what he said.

Now, Wagoner has even more games under her belt and she said she has enjoyed the process of adapting to being at Notre Dame.

“It’s been really great,” Wagoner said. “Everyone’s getting along and I feel really accepted there.”

After a 62-15 win over Chaffee on Monday, Boeller said his opinion on Wagoner’s fit hasn’t changed since her first game.

“She’s been great,” Boeller said. “She’s becoming good friends with the girls and our girls have opened their arms and we’re happy she’s able to fit in.”

Offensively, Wagoner has continued to provide a spark to an already potent Bulldogs attack.

“She garners a lot of the defenses attention,” Boeller said. “She can get to the basket and she can shoot. She affects the entire floor when she’s out there.”

After playing against her now teammates previously, Wagoner said she enjoys getting to play with them now.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Wagoner said. “They work together really well and you can tell they all care about everyone on the team. It’s been a great time.”

If the potential of what could be for this season isn’t exciting enough, the Bulldogs don’t have a senior on their roster, meaning this group will be back together next year as well.

“It’s so much fun,” Boeller said. “Watching not just one person step into a leadership role but all five together stepping into that leadership has made it a fun first few weeks.”

Wagoner and the Bulldogs (4-0) will look to make it five-straight wins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, when they take on the Poplar Bluff Mules at Poplar Bluff High School.