
via Imago
Notre Dame forward Maddy Westbeld smiles after making a three point shot during a NCAA women’s basketball game between No. 3 Notre Dame and Wake Forest at Purcell Pavilion on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in South Bend.

via Imago
Notre Dame forward Maddy Westbeld smiles after making a three point shot during a NCAA women’s basketball game between No. 3 Notre Dame and Wake Forest at Purcell Pavilion on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in South Bend.
As a rookie adjusting to the pace and physicality of the WNBA, Maddy Westbeld has shown flashes of potential for the Chicago Sky. However, she has made the most of limited minutes, including a standout 9-point performance in just 12 minutes against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. However, the promising player from the collegiate season has not fully bloomed in the pro scene. In sixteen games this season, Maddy Westbeld has averaged 2.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game.
These modest numbers don’t reflect the impact she had in college, where she was a dominant force. While many rookies struggle with a slow start, Westbeld stays true to her game. Much of her mental strength comes from the unwavering support she receives from her tight-knit and encouraging family. But you may be wondering who the people are behind the rising WNBA talent? Let’s meet the parents who shaped Westbeld’s journey.
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Who Are Maddy Westbeld’s Parents?
Maddy Westbeld was born on February 10, 2002, in Kettering, Ohio, to Susan and Jim Westbeld. She grew up in a sports-loving family with four siblings: Amanda, Adam, Kathryn, and Benjamin. Her older sister, Kathryn Westbeld, also plays in the WNBA as a member of the Phoenix Mercury. Her older brother, Adam, also played basketball in his early years. With basketball deeply rooted in the family, Maddy was introduced to the sport at a young age by her parents.
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Maddy Westbeld was introduced to basketball by her father, Jim Westbeld, who first took her to a recreational league game. A former high school football player standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, Jim passed down his love for sports to young Maddy. He graduated from Wright State University in 1996 with a degree in Business Administration. As of April 2025, he works as a Senior Loan Officer at Polaris Home Funding Corp, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Beyond his professional life, Jim enjoys gardening and promotes clean eating, habits that have influenced Maddy’s discipline and lifestyle. Maddy’s mother, Susan Westbeld, has also played a significant role in her life and basketball journey. Susan previously worked as a Senior Data Analyst at LexisNexis, a company known for legal research and analytics. According to her Facebook profile, she attended Centerville High School in Centerville, Ohio. Susan is a steady source of emotional support throughout Maddy’s career, both on and off the court.
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What is the nationality and background of Westbeld’s parents?
Both of Maddy Westbeld’s parents, Susan and Jim Westbeld, are American nationals who live in Kettering, Ohio, which is also Maddy’s hometown. Their backgrounds blend athletics, analytics, and strong family values, shaping Maddy’s balanced and disciplined approach to basketball. This foundation helped her become a standout player during her high school and college years.
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In her senior year at Fairmont High School, Maddy led her team to a 25-3 record and a regional finals appearance in the OHSAA Girls Basketball State Championships. She averaged 15.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game as a junior, improving to 18.0 points and 11.2 rebounds in her final year. Her success continued at Notre Dame, where she built an impressive collegiate resume that set the stage for her WNBA journey.
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Maddy Westbeld the next big thing in the WNBA, or just another rookie finding her way?
Have an interesting take?
#HappySiblingsDay ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/SLpQdEob9r
— Madeline Westbeld (@maddy_westbeld) April 11, 2018
Now a professional with the Chicago Sky, Maddy is working to find her rhythm in the league. She’s not alone, though. Her older sister, Kathryn, has welcomed her into the WNBA family. “It’s an honor to have a small role in who she is today; it’s such a blessing to watch her now and be on the same level as her. I’ve been waiting for her to catch up to me, and now she’s finally here,” Kathryn said about Maddy joining the W. With a strong college career and the support of her parents, Maddy’s future in the W looks promising.
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Is Maddy Westbeld the next big thing in the WNBA, or just another rookie finding her way?