Former Notre Dame standout named WNBA’s most improved player

Former Notre Dame women’s basketball standout Jessica Shepard has had a rejuvenated WNBA career this year.

After her limited but dwindling playing time with the Minnesota Lynx (2019-25), Shepard was named a WNBA All-Star in her first season with the Dallas Wings.

Shepard took her accomplishments a step further when the WNBA recognized her as the league’s most improved player. During the regular season, she averaged a double-double with 14.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, and had 5.3 assists a game.

Previously, Shepard’s best season was in 2022 with the Lynx. She appeared in 36 games (started in 22) and averaged 8.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Shepard played for Nebraska (2015-17) and Notre Dame (2017-19) in her college basketball career. She averaged 17.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game and shot 51.6% from the field in four seasons.

Her best season with the Fighting Irish was in 2018-19, when she averaged 16.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals a game. Shepard also shot 59.4% from the field and 71% from the free-throw line.

During her time at Notre Dame, Shepard was a two-time All-ACC first team nod and a third-team All-American. She was also a member of the Irish’s national championship team in 2018.

Shepard has played basketball overseas in Italy and Greece when the WNBA was in the offseason.

The WNBA opening round series between the 7th-seeded Wings and the 2nd-seeded Golden State Valkyries is tied at 1-1. The series winner will face the 3rd-seeded Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals starting Sunday.

the wnba's most improved player👏 congrats, jess!#GoIrishpic.twitter.com/sXu8Dy6oqe— Notre Dame Women's Basketball (@ndwbb) October 2, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Former Notre Dame standout named WNBA’s most improved player