Liatu King, a transfer forward for the No. 3 ranked Notre Dame women’s basketball team, has quickly become a standout player both on and off the court. Since joining the Fighting Irish after transferring from the University of Pittsburgh in March, King has seamlessly integrated into her new team, thanks in part to a shared love for fashion with her coaches and teammates.
King’s fashion passion was clear during her recruitment, where she and head coach Niele Ivey bonded over their mutual interest in style, an important part of the team’s culture. Under Ivey’s leadership, Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program has embraced fashion, a tradition that began with Ivey’s predecessor, Muffet McGraw. For King, this connection made her transition easier.
“At my previous school, fashion wasn’t a big thing,” King said, reflecting on her time at Pittsburgh, where she was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2024. “I’ve always been into fashion, and being in a place where it’s welcomed and embraced allows me to be myself. Wearing outfits and getting compliments—there’s no better feeling.”
The Fighting Irish have made a point of promoting their players’ pregame looks this season, and for King, styling herself before games is part of her ritual. She believes the emotions inspired by fashion are reflected on the court.
“It makes me feel good and confident,” King explained. “When I feel good in an outfit, I play well. For me, it all starts with a nice outfit, especially for tunnel fits. If I feel good, I play good, and that’s something I keep in mind.”
While some of her teammates weren’t initially passionate about fashion, King believes the supportive environment at Notre Dame has encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones. “When people see others getting into it, it encourages them to try it too,” she said. “Fashion is a way to bond and empower each other. Clothes make you feel confident, and confidence can take you far.”
King’s love for fashion began in her childhood in Washington, D.C., where hats and sneakers were key elements of local style. She remembers waiting in long lines to buy the latest Jordan sneakers, which sparked her interest in matching outfits to her shoes. As a tall, slender individual, King also learned how to find clothes that fit her 6-foot frame, preferring flare pants that add to her height.
“Growing up, it was hard to find pants that fit me lengthwise,” King recalled. “It’s important to know your body type and what works for you. Not everything fits everyone the same way. I like flared pants because they make me look taller.”
As women’s basketball continues to gain recognition, fashion has played a significant role in shaping players’ identities, both on and off the court. King sees herself as part of this shift, where style is becoming a key element of women’s basketball culture.
“Not long ago, women’s basketball didn’t get much attention,” King said. “Now, we’re talking about the intersection of fashion and basketball. I get a lot of positive feedback on my outfits, but I’m really excited to help others develop their own style.”
King shops on a variety of online sites, including SSENSE, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, to find clothes that suit her teammates’ diverse styles. Her favorite brands include Issey Miyake, Rick Owens, and Who Decides War. She also enjoys styling her teammates in pieces from Y/Project, known for its versatility and reworkable designs. For budget-friendly options, King often turns to stores like Aritzia, ASOS, and Zara.
“I love the challenge of dressing my teammates because everyone has different styles and body types,” King said. “We work together to find pieces that suit them. It’s about collaboration and finding inspiration from influencers and celebrities.”
For King, social media and platforms like Pinterest are rich sources of fashion inspiration. “I don’t want to copy others, but I like to pull ideas from them and make it my own,” she explained.
In September, King attended New York Fashion Week, where she connected with stylists and designers. The experience helped clarify her career path. “I don’t want to be a designer, but I’d love to work as a stylist, figuring out how to put different pieces together,” she said.
King has since brought her Fashion Week insights back to the locker room, helping her teammates develop their own styles. By understanding each teammate’s preferences and body types, King helps them curate game-day outfits that express their personalities.
Sophomore guard Emma Risch, who works closely with King on styling, admires her vision. “She’s an inspiration,” Risch said. “Her fashion sense is what I want my style to be. It’s amazing to have her help me look my best.”
For point guard Hannah Hidalgo, known for her signature hoop earrings, working with King allows her to express more than just her athletic side. “Liatu’s help has allowed me to show more of my personality through my outfits,” Hidalgo said.
Liatu King is not just a star on the court; she’s also helping to define the style of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team—one game and outfit at a time.
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