BREAKING | Niele Ivey Named Notre Dame Women's Basketball Head Coach
The Notre Dame women's basketball program wasted no time announcing its new head coach after Muffet McGraw stepped down after 33 years.
Niele Ivey will return to Notre Dame to take over for McGraw after a year with the Memphis Grizzles.
Ivey will become the fourth Notre Dame women's basketball head coach after being linked to nine Final Four runs with the Irish program.
She appeared in two Final Fours as a player and then seven as an assistant coach under McGraw.
“I am so honored to be able to follow in the legacy that Coach McGraw built here at Notre Dame,” Ivey stated in a statement. “My love and appreciation for Coach McGraw is beyond anything I can express. She’s more than a mentor, more than a friend, she’s one of the most influential people in my life. I am full of gratitude for Coach McGraw and what she has done for me. She was the first to give me an opportunity to play for Notre Dame and coach here as well. I will forever be grateful for her love and support. I would also like to thank Jack Swarbrick and Father Jenkins for having the faith to move this program forward with me. I can never thank you enough for this incredible opportunity.”
During her time as an assistant, the Irish went 386-55, which included six trips to the National Title game.
“I am thrilled Niele will be the next leader of the Notre Dame basketball program,” Muffet McGraw said in a statement. “She’s one of the best young coaches in the game today and her success with the Grizzlies has helped make her even more prepared for her new role.
“What sets Niele apart is her ability to connect with all generations — alums, her current team and future student-athletes. She will be a fantastic role model and a leader in the women’s empowerment movement, and she will represent Notre Dame in a way that will make our fans proud.”
Ivey helped develop the likes of Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Lloyd, Lindsay Allen and Arike Ogunbowale.
BREAKING | Muffet McGraw Announces Retirement