Remember the hardworking small forward who became the captain of the Utah Jazz after John Stockton retired and Karl Malone joined the Lakers? That’s right, Matt Harpring! But today, the spotlight isn’t on him. Instead, it’s on his daughter Kate, who’s making big waves in high school basketball.
With her rapid rise to prominence from being unranked to one of the best prospects in women’s basketball, it’s clear the Harpring legacy is alive and thriving. This time, it’s taking center stage in a whole new generation. The 5’10” junior guard playing for the same high school as her dad has already received offers from over 10 top college programs. Notre Dame might just be the recent one as per On3.
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On3’s 2026 women’s basketball recruiting rankings are live. Here are a few takeaways from the list:
READ: https://t.co/kawJBFJr0h pic.twitter.com/bomZr5BUHV
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) January 20, 2025
The 17-year-old has seen an impressive trajectory, going from unranked just about a year ago to being #3 by On3 this month. Attribute that to her sophomore averages of 27.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, followed by her recent milestone of recording 2000 career points. In a game against the Lithonia Bull Dogs earlier this month, Kate put up a 35-point performance to mark the feat. “We knew she had it in her,” coach Kimberly Hixon had said, lauding her for maturity, athleticism, and preparation.
Just days later, she was named the MVP at AJ Banks Ladies Classic after she’d broken a 30-year-old scoring record with 139 points in 4 games. Kate is now averaging 32 points and 10 rebounds and found herself ranked no.1 by 247 Sports following a good summer. This included an MVP honor at Overtime Select.
Harping has now visited South Carolina, Duke, UCLA, UConn, and UNC among others. But despite Notre Dame and the top program extending an offer to the talented 17-year-old guard, you can’t help but wonder if she’ll choose to follow in her father’s footsteps and suit up for Georgia Tech. After all, Matt Harpring spent four unforgettable years there before being selected 15th overall by the Orlando Magic.
There are many things to like about Kate and it comes as no surprise that the Fighting Irish want her. But she isn’t the only top recruit Notre Dame is looking at though! Let’s take a look at who else the Fighting Irish are looking at to bolster their squad!
Notre Dame Eyes the Nation’s Top Talent in Recruiting Battle
Notre Dame Fighting Irish currently lead the ACC with a 7-0 record with an overall record of 16-2. The NCAA 2018 champions are looking to bolster their side as they look to build a team to become champions again. The Fighting Irish are making a powerful statement in the recruiting world as they send offers to seven top-25 prospects.
The Fighting Irish are in the running for elite talents like No.7 Jacy Abii, No. 13 Amari Byles, No. 6 Oliviyah Edwards, No. 18 Autumn Fleary, No. 11 Jordyn Jayla Jackson, No. 4 Olivia Vukosa, and No. 5 McKenna Woliczko. But they’re not stopping there, Notre Dame has also extended offers to other top-tier recruits, including No. 10 Addison Bjorn, No. 8 Bri Crittendon, No. 20 Jenica Lewis, and No. 21 Bella Ragone.
With such a star-studded group in their sights, the Fighting Irish are hopeful of shaping their future roster into one of the most dominant in the nation. Notre Dame fans will be delighted watching their team aggressively poach five-star recruits from all over the country. Only time will tell how good the front office manages to do but the signs are bright! Stay tuned for more updates!
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