"Mother Maddie” helps Notre Dame freshman Jacy Abii adjust to college basketball

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame women’s basketball is bringing together players at two very different points in their careers.

Jacy Abii arrives in South Bend as one of the nation’s most highly rated freshmen, while graduate transfer Madison St. Rose joins the Fighting Irish after making four NCAA Tournament appearances at Princeton.

Despite their different levels of experience, the two already share a relationship that sounds more like family than new teammates.

Abii has says Hannah Hidalgo is like the fun, young aunt, while St. Rose has earned the nickname “Mother Maddie.”

“She wants you to do your best at everything, so she’s going to push you and not baby you at all,” Abii said of Hidalgo. “But at the same time, she does care about the bond.”

Abii may be the youngest member of Notre Dame’s new family, but she arrives with no shortage of expectations.

The 6-foot-2 guard and forward from Texas was ranked as the No. 9 player in ESPN’s 2026 recruiting class and selected as a McDonald’s All-American. She also gained international experience while representing USA Basketball at the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup and FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup.

College basketball, however, brings a new level of physicality and responsibility. That is where St. Rose has stepped in.

“I make sure all my children are in check,” St. Rose said. “It’s their first year. A lot of mistakes will happen and there are new things to learn, and I’m just here to help guide them along the way.”

Her support extends beyond the basketball court.

“I make a lot of dinner for them, and I also think it helps me learn different meals,” St. Rose said. “I love having that role on the team and just seeing everyone comfortable.”

St. Rose arrives at Notre Dame following a decorated career at Princeton. She earned first-team All-Ivy League honors last season after leading the Tigers in scoring at nearly 16 points per game.

She also helped Princeton reach the NCAA Tournament in each of her four seasons and finished her Tigers career with more than 1,100 points.

At Notre Dame, St. Rose will be asked to provide more than scoring. Her maturity and experience could be especially important for a roster welcoming a talented group of newcomers.

“I call her Mother Maddie. She’s my mom,” Abii said. “She’s obviously super mature. She brings a lot of skill. It’s been a lot of watching her and being inspired by her.”

That relationship has also continued to grow away from basketball.

“Especially off the court, we’ve built a really good bond as well,” Abii said. “That’s my dog.”

Their personalities may be different, but their games could complement each other. St. Rose provides experience, proven scoring and leadership, while Abii brings size and the potential that made her one of the country’s top recruits.