Dylan Johnson

The Wildcats have their first addition to the roster this offseason.

On Tuesday, April 15, Villanova women’s basketball signed Notre Dame transfer and senior forward Kylee Watson.

A source informed The Villanovan of Watson’s commitment. Watson is the first transfer portal pickup for head coach Denise Dillon and the Wildcats this offseason.

Watson is entering her final year of eligibility as a graduate transfer. 

Watson missed the entire 2024-25 season after tearing her ACL in the ACC tournament in 2024. She started for two years at Notre Dame, averaging 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 33 games in 2022-24. In 2023-24, Watson averaged 6.2 points and five rebounds across 31 games.

Watson entered the transfer portal with a “do not contact tag” on April 2, joining three other former Notre Dame teammates also in the portal: Olivia Miles, Kate Koval and Emma Risch. 

The Linwood, NJ native spent two seasons at the University of Oregon before transferring to Notre Dame for her junior year. 

This season, Notre Dame finished with an overall record of 28-6, and 16-2 in the ACC. Notable wins included a 74-61 victory over Southern California and a 79-68 win over the University of Connecticut. The Irish made a run to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen before falling to Texas Christian University, 62-71.

Villanova graduated two seniors in Maddie Burke and Kaitlyn Orihel, as well as graduate players Bronagh Power-Cassidy, Lara Edmanson and Jaliyah Green. Sophomore guard Maddie Webber transferred from Villanova to the University of Illinois. 

Watson will, at minimum, join freshman guard Jasmine Bascoe, who announced on Friday, April 11 that she will return to Villanova next season for her sophomore campaign. Villanova also has three incoming freshman recruits in guard Kennedy Henry, guard Elise Bender and guard Brooke Bender.