Vanessa de Jesus
Vanessa Ongkeko de Jesus is a Filipino-American college basketball player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the Atlantic Coast Conference. She previously played for the Duke Blue Devils.
Early life and education
Vanessa de Jesus was born on January 17, 2002, in Northridge, California, with Valencia considered as her hometown. Her parents Phillip and Maria de Jesus, are both Filipinos. She would attend Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles before entering Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, for her collegiate studies. She transferred to the University of Notre Dame for the 2025–26 season.Career
College
De Jesus committed to play for the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA Division I in May 2019 which was then under coach Joanne P. McCallie. De Jesus would only be the player who had committed to remain with the Blue Devils after McCallie left.She debuted for the team now coached by Kara Lawson in November 2020, becoming the first Filipino in Duke University's women's basketball program.
In April 2025, De Jesus announced that she will transfer to Notre Dame and play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.