WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

NCAA rules Jessica Shepard immediately eligible for Notre Dame women's basketball

ND Insider Staff Report
ND Insider

Notre Dame won't have to wait for reinforcements in the paint this season.

Junior forward Jessica Shepard, a transfer from Nebraska, will be immediately eligible for the Irish. The NCAA announced Wednesday an approval of Notre Dame's eligibility waiver for Shepard.

With the news, Shepard was expected to dress for Wednesday night's exhibition against Indiana (Pa.). Shepard, who transferred from Nebraska in the offseason, will have two seasons of eligibility at Notre Dame.

Shepard came to Notre Dame after starting all 29 games as a sophomore for the Huskers. She averaged 18.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game last season at Nebraska. She finished her first two seasons on the all-Big Ten team and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2016.

Shepard figures to find a prominent role for the Irish with Brianna Turner (knee) sidelined for the season and Kathryn Westbeld (ankle) questionable for the season opener on Nov. 11.

Stick with ND Insider for coverage of tonight's exhibition.

The NCAA has ruled Nebraska transfer Jessica Shepard immediately eligible for Notre Dame's women's basketball. (Photo courtesy of Journal Star/JAKE CRANDALL)