Former Notre Dame women's basketball star honored

 

NOTRE DAME, Ind. --- Sunday’s Notre Dame women’s basketball game against Ball State began with a Ring of Honor induction ceremony; a new banner was hung to honor a former player that still holds records in the program and played a major role in its success to this day.

“It’s truly humbling, I’m moved beyond words,” says Katryna Gaither, the newest inductee to the Notre Dame Ring of Honor.

On the very court she once played on over two decades ago, Gaither received one of the highest honors given to Notre Dame basketball standouts. Gaither’s banner with her name and number was added to the prestigious Ring of Honors, joining fellow Notre Dame basketball legends.

At the ceremony, she began her thank-yous to her family who helped her with her patience, which is what led her to this honor.”

“I want to thank my mother who instilled in me patience,” Gaither says.

She led the Fighting Irish to their first ever Final Four appearance back in the 1996-97 season. It came after a round 32 loss in the NCAA tournament the previous season. Her determination and patience from the year before allowed the program to reach new heights.

“You believed in me the most, so thank you for making me the player that I am, that I was,” Gaither sasy to her former coach, Muffet McGraw.

Under former head coach Muffet McGraw’s guidance, Gaither went on to set school and personal records that still show up in the books. She ranks fourth on the program’s all-time scoring list and third for rebounds. By the time she left Notre Dame, she had set 22 school records and posted 2,126 points.

“I pray that you develop and motivate the generation of women to have the same characteristics that we once had,” Gaither says to former teammate Niele Ivey.

Gaither and current Notre Dame women’s basketball head coach Niele Ivey shared the court for only one year, but in that one year, laid the foundation for the success of the program.

Lastly, she encouraged the current Notre Dame women’s basketball team to take their success to new levels just like she did.

“Take this team to higher heights and greater measures,” Gaither says to the team.

She couldn’t have done it without the loyal support from the Fighting Irish fanbase.

“I just want to thank you all for supporting this team; in the past, present, and future,” Gaither says to the crowd.

Full list of former coaches and players in the Ring of Honor.