Niele Ivey has been the head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team since 2020 and has already built a strong legacy. A former star point guard, she helped lead Notre Dame to its first national title in 2001. As head coach, she has led the team to a 117-38 record, won an ACC Tournament title, and reached the Sweet 16 four years in a row.
In the 2024-25 season, the Irish went 28-6 and earned their first No. 1 AP ranking since 2019. Before becoming head coach, Ivey was an assistant at Notre Dame from 2007 to 2019. She helped coach future WNBA stars Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd. Young became an All-American and helped the Irish win the 2018 national championship, while Loyd won the 2015 Naismith Trophy. Both went on to be No. 1 picks in the WNBA Draft.
Niele Ivey Praises Former Players Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd After Big Win
After the win over Dallas, Loyd shared how much Ivey has meant to her and other players. “She recruited me. A lot of players have a good relationship with her. She has a lot of compassion for the players, and to see where she’s taken the program and take it under her wing — it’s not easy,” Loyd said.
Niele Ivey shows love to her former players Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd after their win over Dallas, and Jewell shares just how much Coach Ivey means to her 🧡 pic.twitter.com/LPzAIIHMnh
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 3, 2025
Her words highlight the strong bond Ivey maintains with her former players and the respect she’s earned for building a winning culture at Notre Dame.
Ivey’s leadership has been key to Notre Dame’s rise as a national contender. Her ability to develop players and create a strong team culture has helped the program stay competitive on the biggest stages. Even with the departure of standout players Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, Ivey’s steady presence and vision give the Irish confidence as they keep building and chasing championships in the seasons ahead.
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As Ivey continues to shape the future of Notre Dame women’s basketball, her impact is felt far beyond the court. From guiding today’s stars to staying connected with former players like Young and Loyd, Ivey’s influence shows the power of leadership, loyalty, and legacy.
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