BREAKING!!! Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish Player Legend Ruth Riley Hunter, Who Led the Team to Its First Championship in 2001, Donates $8 Million Dollars to Her Alma Mater, Acknowledging Where Her Talent Began
In a historic moment for women’s college basketball and the University of Notre Dame, former Fighting Irish star Ruth Riley Hunter has made headlines once again
— not for her play on the court, but for her powerful gesture off of it. The 2001 NCAA champion and Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer has donated $8 million dollars to the University of Notre Dame, specifically to the women’s basketball program and community initiatives aimed at empowering young female athletes.
The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at the Joyce Center on campus, where Riley Hunter surprised a packed crowd of current student-athletes, faculty, alumni, and fans with the life-changing gift. The donation is one of the largest ever by a former female student-athlete to a college athletic program, and it’s a statement that underscores the increasing visibility and impact of women in sports.
Honoring Her Roots
Ruth Riley Hunter, who played at Notre Dame from 1997 to 2001, is best known for her dominant performance during the 2001 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, where she led the Irish to their first-ever national title. In the title game against Purdue, she scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, earning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.
During her speech, Riley Hunter became visibly emotional as she reflected on her time in South Bend.
> “Notre Dame didn’t just give me an education or a basketball opportunity — it gave me a foundation, a belief in myself, and a community that empowered me to be more than just an athlete,” she said. “This is where my dreams started to take shape. I owe this place everything.”
The Impact of the Donation
The $8 million gift will be used to fund a range of initiatives across campus. A large portion will go toward:
Renovating and expanding the women’s basketball facilities, including updated training areas, locker rooms, and team meeting spaces.
Establishing the Ruth Riley Hunter Endowment for Women’s Leadership, which will provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and leadership development opportunities for female student-athletes across all sports.
Supporting mental health and wellness programs for student-athletes, an issue Ruth has passionately advocated for in recent years.
Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick called the donation “transformative.”
> “Ruth Riley Hunter has always been a leader, whether on the court, in the WNBA, or in the global humanitarian space,” Swarbrick said. “Today, she’s reaffirmed her place not just as a Notre Dame legend, but as one of the most influential figures in women’s sports.”
A Lasting Legacy
After graduating from Notre Dame with honors in Psychology and Sociology, Ruth Riley Hunter went on to enjoy an illustrious WNBA career. She was a two-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock and a WNBA Finals MVP. She also earned a gold medal with Team USA in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Off the court, Ruth has worked with UNICEF, the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, and various social justice and community health initiatives.
She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 and continues to serve as a role model, broadcaster, and advocate for women and children around the world.
With this donation, Riley Hunter further cements her legacy — not just as a championship-winning player, but as a champion for opportunity, equality, and education.
Voices of Gratitude
Current Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey, herself a former teammate of Ruth’s, called the moment “surreal and beautiful.”
> “Ruth and I won a championship together in 2001. To see her give back in this way, to inspire the next generation of women coming through this program — it gives me goosebumps.”
Sophomore guard Anaya Johnson echoed the sentiment.
> “We look up to players like Ruth. She opened doors for all of us. This makes me feel like anything is possible.”
More Than Just Money
Beyond the dollar amount, Ruth Riley Hunter’s gift sends a message about legacy, gratitude, and the responsibility of athletes to invest in the future. It’s a reminder that sports can change lives — not just for those who make it to the big stage, but for every young girl who dares to dream.
With this gift, Ruth isn’t just honoring her past. She’s building a path forward — one where every player who walks into Notre Dame’s gym knows that greatness isn’t just about what you achieve, but what you give back.
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