Leah Macy with Bethlehem coach Justin Clark and his wife, Randi. (Larry Vaught Photo)
It was a day filled with smiles, hugs and love for Noter Dame signee Leah Macy.
The Bethlehem senior committed to Notre Dame in May and actually signed her scholarship papers at 7 a.m. Wednesday. However, Friday in the high school gymnasium family, teammates, friends and school officials celebrated her signing.
“I feel like I’ve been waiting for this day for a while now. I’ve been committed since May, so it’s been a few months, but to make it official feels a lot better. I’m just excited to be a part of the Notre Dame family,” the 6-3 Macy said.
The five-star standout is ranked as the nation’s 19th best player and No. 4 forward in her recruiting class by ESPN.
Macy averaged 24.9 points and 13.9 rebounds per game last season when the Banshees won the 5th Region title. Macy played for the United States in the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup team in the summer when Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey was the head coach for the gold-medal winning team.
“I knew way before May that Notre Dame was home for me. I had such a good relationship with the coaching staff,” Macy said Friday.” To win the gold medal with coach Ivey made it even better. My official visit at the end of September was just amazing. I knew that that was my family. There was no pressure or anything. I really got to have fun and be myself (on the visit) and build my relationship with them.”
Macy has amassed 2,678 points and 1,557 rebounds in her six-year career at Bardstown, Mercy and Bethlehem. She easily surpassed 3,000 career points this season and could also become the first Kentucky girl to reach 2,000 rebounds if she stays healthy.
“What a lot of people don’t see is her leadership,” Bethlehem coach Jason Clark said. “She helps the young ones (players) and that shows a lot about her character. She makes everyone in the gym work harder. We are excited for her to go to Notre Dame.”
Athletics director Gilly Simpson knew Macy was a special player when she transferred to Bethlehem last season with her sister, Loren.
“She sat in the front row in the middle of my class,” he said. “After she got here she also informed me she had not been confirmed. She got confirmed in church at school mass and I got to be her sponsor. We are very blessed to have her here for another season.”
Randi Clark, the coach’s wife, noticed one thing about Macy when she arrived that impressed her.
“I have never seen anyone work that hard in my life,” Randi Clark said. “I got to see a different side of her outside of basketball and I absolutely love her.”
Macy’s sister, Loren, and mother, Stephanie, both had emotional tributes.
“She has always been there for me,” Loren said despite having to stop to wipe away tears. “She keeps me straight. She is my best friend. It has been great to watch her succeed.”
Macy’s mother noted the family’s favorite saying for years had been: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” She said her daughter never wavered from that belief.
“God blessed you with your talent and with hard work you turned into a Division I scholarship,” Stephanie, who had to compose herself before speaking, said. “We saw you had a special competitiveness. Competitiveness has driven you.
“I know she has picked the absolute right place for her. There’s just a sense of peace knowing your child has found the perfect place for her.”
Macy’s father, Brian, was the final speaker before Leah thanked everyone who attended and helped her during her journey.
“This is more than basketball,” Brian said. “It is about school and life. I am just proud of where we are and what’s to come.”
One Response
I lived in Peru, IN when your grandfather was playing for the local high school and your great grandfather (Bob) was head coach. What a fantastic three years we all had watching Kyle. Wish you all the success possible at my favorite college. GO IRISH 🍀