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Niele Ivey: The Trailblazing Coach of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball
Niele Ivey is the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team, leading one of the top-ranked programs in the nation. A former standout player and WNBA veteran, Ivey has built a reputation as a skilled coach and mentor, bringing energy, experience, and a winning mentality to the Irish.
### **A Star Player at Notre Dame**
Born on September 24, 1977, in St. Louis, Missouri, Ivey played collegiate basketball at Notre Dame from 1996 to 2001. As a point guard, she was the heartbeat of the team, known for her leadership, court vision, and defensive tenacity. Her career peaked in 2001 when she led the Fighting Irish to their first-ever NCAA Championship. That season, she earned All-American honors and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.
### **WNBA Career and Early Coaching Years**
Following her collegiate success, Ivey was selected 19th overall in the 2001 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. She played five seasons in the league, with stints at the Fever, Detroit Shock, and Phoenix Mercury. After retiring as a player, she transitioned into coaching, returning to Notre Dame in 2007 as an assistant under legendary head coach Muffet McGraw.
For 12 seasons, Ivey played a crucial role in developing elite talent at Notre Dame, including future WNBA stars like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Loyd, and Arike Ogunbowale. She was instrumental in the program’s success, helping the team secure multiple Final Four appearances and a national title in 2018.
### **Making History as Head Coach**
In 2019, Ivey took a brief detour to the NBA, joining the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant coach, making her one of the few women coaching in the league. However, in 2020, she returned to Notre Dame, succeeding McGraw as head coach and becoming the first Black woman to lead the program.
Since taking over, Ivey has revitalized Notre Dame basketball, recruiting top-tier talent and guiding the team to national prominence. Her leadership style blends intensity, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the game. She emphasizes player development and fostering a winning culture, making Notre Dame one of the premier destinations for women’s basketball recruits.
With her playing and coaching experience, Ivey continues to make history and inspire the next generation of female athletes. Under her leadership, Notre Dame remains a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
