"I love you miss bells": Kylee Watson drops endearing comments for Notre Dame teammate Bella Tehrani's game snaps

Notre Dame forward Kylee Watson expressed her admiration and love for teammate Bella Tehrani in an Instagram post on Monday. Tehrani made her first appearance for the basketball program and shared images from the game on IG.

Tehrani shared some images in a carousel, which caught the attention of Watson, who responded with an affectionate comment.

"I love you, Miss Bells," Watson commented.

Kylee Watson comments on Bella Tehrani's Instagram post.

Watson, a key player for the Fighting Irish, has consistently demonstrated leadership throughout her collegiate career.

Watson averaged 6.2 points and 5.0 rebounds and shot 52.4 % last season before tearing her ACL in Notre Dame's semifinal win against Virginia Tech during the ACC Tournament on March 9.

Tehrani, though a newer face on the squad, has quickly made an impression, as seen from the reactions of the Irish in the Instagram carousel.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish add walk-on Bella Tehrani to roster

Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey tapped into her strong connection with volleyball coach Salima Rockwell to bring Tehrani aboard the basketball program. The new addition makes it two walk-ons for No. 3 Notre Dame (10-2) over the past two weeks.

The move made sense for multiple reasons. Tehrani is good friends with junior guard KK Bransford and had already attended team bonding at Ivey’s house.

“She’s a perfect fit,” Ivey said. “Size-wise, we needed another forward, and she aligns perfectly with our culture.”

Tehrani, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, didn’t see court time during her first two volleyball seasons but boasts impressive basketball experience.

Tehrani wasted no time making her debut, stepping onto the court during the Irish’s 97-54 win over Loyola Maryland on Sunday.

She played nearly four minutes, recording a block and picking up a personal foul. Freshman guard Luci Jensen, another walk-on, also saw four minutes, contributing two rebounds and an assist.

Ivey emphasized the importance of pacing her roster for the long season, ensuring her stars are rested and ready for tougher opponents.

With graduate senior forward Maddy Westbeld expected to return soon, the Irish are poised to elevate their game even further. Tehrani and Jensen will likely be utilized in limited roles but provide valuable depth.

Ivey praised her team’s offensive versatility.

“Our pace is excellent, and we’re shooting well from three," Ivey said. "The team shares the ball beautifully, and our depth will allow us to extend our defense and become an even greater offensive powerhouse.”

As the Fighting Irish gear up for ACC play, starting with Virginia on Dec. 29, the addition of Tehrani and the team’s growing depth signal an exciting future.