Niele Ivey, born on September 24, 1977, in St. Louis, Missouri, has had a distinguished career in women’s basketball, both as a player and a coach. She played as a guard for the University of Notre Dame from 1997 to 2001, leading the Fighting Irish to their first NCAA Championship in 2001. After college, Ivey was drafted into the WNBA, where she played for teams including the Indiana Fever, Detroit Shock, and Phoenix Mercury. Following her playing career, she transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Notre Dame and later with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. In April 2020, Ivey returned to Notre Dame as the head coach of the women’s basketball team, succeeding the legendary Muffet McGraw. citeturn0search1

 

Upon her appointment, Notre Dame’s Athletic Director, Jack Swarbrick, acknowledged Ivey’s effective negotiation skills during contract discussions, though specific terms were not publicly disclosed. citeturn0search4 This appointment marked a significant milestone, as Ivey became one of the few women to transition directly from an NBA coaching position to a head coaching role in NCAA women’s basketball.

 

Under Ivey’s leadership, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team has emphasized a fast-paced, transition-oriented style of play. This approach leverages athleticism and speed to dominate opponents, often leading to quick scoring opportunities and putting pressure on opposing defenses. Ivey’s coaching philosophy reflects her own playing days as a dynamic point guard, focusing on aggressive defense and rapid offensive transitions.

 

The success of this transition-focused strategy has been evident. In the 2022–2023 season, Notre Dame clinched the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season championship, and Ivey was honored as the ACC Coach of the Year. The following season, the team secured the ACC tournament championship, further solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. citeturn0search1

 

Ivey’s tenure has not only revitalized Notre Dame’s prominence on the national stage but has also inspired a new generation of female athletes and coaches. Her journey from a championship-winning player to a trailblazing coach underscores the impact of leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence in collegiate sports.