Niele Ivey Resigns as Head Coach of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, Leaves a Legacy of Grace, Grit, and Greatness
In a stunning announcement that has rocked the college basketball world, Niele Ivey, the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team, has officially stepped down from her position. After five seasons at the helm and nearly two decades of deep ties to the program, Ivey departs with a mixture of gratitude, pride, and quiet heartbreak. Her resignation ends a chapter of coaching brilliance, transformational leadership, and personal passion that few have matched in the annals of Notre Dame history.
The Announcement
On Tuesday morning, April 23, 2025, Notre Dame Athletics released an official statement confirming Ivey’s resignation, with the 47-year-old coach expressing a desire to “pursue new challenges and opportunities, both professionally and personally.”
“This has been the most rewarding and humbling experience of my life,” Ivey said in a heartfelt message to the Notre Dame community. “To lead this program that has meant everything to me—as a player, a mother, a coach, and a woman—has been a dream come true. But after deep reflection, I believe the time is right to step aside and let a new voice lead this incredible team forward.”
From South Bend to Stardom
Niele Ivey’s name is etched into Notre Dame lore long before her coaching career began. As a player, she starred as a dynamic point guard under Hall of Fame coach Muffet McGraw from 1997 to 2001. Her career culminated in leading the Irish to their first-ever national championship in 2001. Ivey’s intelligence, speed, and leadership were hallmarks of a team that forever changed the expectations of women’s basketball in South Bend.
After a stint in the WNBA, she returned to Notre Dame in 2007 as an assistant coach and spent the next twelve years helping McGraw build a dynasty. During her tenure as an assistant and then associate head coach, the Irish reached seven Final Fours, played in five national championship games, and won it all again in 2018.
When McGraw retired in 2020, it was Ivey—her protégé and trusted right hand—who was tapped to lead the program into a new era.
Rebuilding the Irish
Ivey’s early years as head coach weren’t easy. She took over during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and inherited a program in transition. Recruiting had taken a hit, and the team struggled to maintain its once-dominant identity. In her first season (2020-21), the Irish posted a disappointing 10-10 record, missing the NCAA tournament.
But Ivey’s resilience, relentless recruiting, and emotional intelligence as a coach soon paid off. Over the next four seasons, Notre Dame returned to national prominence. With star players like Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, and Hannah Hidalgo, the Irish reestablished themselves as ACC contenders and national threats.
Under Ivey, Notre Dame won back-to-back ACC regular-season titles in 2023 and 2024 and reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament in 2024. Her teams played with pace, poise, and purpose—mirroring Ivey’s own style on the court. She developed one of the nation’s most exciting and high-IQ squads, earning praise from peers across the basketball landscape.
A Coach, A Mother, A Trailblazer
One of Ivey’s defining roles beyond the sidelines was that of a mother. Her son, Jaden Ivey, became a national college basketball star at Purdue and is now a rising talent in the NBA. Throughout her coaching tenure, Niele spoke often and candidly about balancing motherhood and leadership—a dual role that endeared her to fans, athletes, and coaches alike.
In a sport and profession where women—especially Black women—are still underrepresented, Ivey carried the torch with elegance and authority. She became one of only a handful of Black women to coach at a Power Five program and consistently used her platform to advocate for inclusion, equity, and education.
“She’s more than a coach,” said Muffet McGraw in a statement reacting to the resignation. “She’s a role model, a pioneer, and a force of nature. Notre Dame was lucky to have her, and I have no doubt her story is far from over.”
Reasons Behind the Resignation
While Ivey has not revealed any specific next steps, sources close to the program suggest a combination of burnout, family priorities, and professional curiosity may have played roles in her decision.
One longtime friend of the coach hinted at the toll the job had taken: “Niele poured everything into this. She never did anything halfway. But this job—it’s constant, consuming. I think she’s ready to breathe for the first time in a long time.”
There has also been speculation that Ivey may pursue opportunities in the professional ranks. Her brief stint as an assistant coach for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies in 2019-20 was widely praised, and there’s little doubt her basketball IQ would translate well to the WNBA or NBA.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see her in the league soon,” said ESPN’s LaChina Robinson. “She’s got the mind, the experience, and the presence to command any room—college or pro.”
The Impact on Notre Dame
Ivey’s resignation leaves a gaping hole not only in terms of coaching but also in terms of identity. She embodied the Fighting Irish spirit, blending the program’s proud past with a forward-looking vision. Her ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent while maintaining a player-first culture was second to none.
Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick confirmed that a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately, emphasizing the importance of continuity and excellence.
“We are immensely grateful for everything Niele has given to this program,” said Swarbrick. “She led with heart, strength, and dignity. The impact she’s made will resonate for generations.”
Assistant coach Michaela Mabrey, another former Irish star, could be a candidate to step in as interim coach or possibly take over full-time, depending on the direction the administration chooses.
The Legacy She Leaves Behind
Though she departs without a national title as a head coach, Ivey’s legacy at Notre Dame is immense. She brought the program back to prominence, empowered her players to be leaders, and opened doors for women of color in the coaching ranks.
“She taught us how to be warriors on and off the court,” said current star guard Hannah Hidalgo. “She believed in us—even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”
Ivey’s legacy won’t be measured solely by wins and losses, but by the culture she built and the lives she touched. Her players routinely spoke of her empathy, honesty, and relentless belief in their potential.
Fans, alumni, and college basketball observers have poured out support since the announcement. Tributes from across the sports world—WNBA players, NBA coaches, fellow NCAA peers—have flooded social media.
“Niele Ivey is one of the most respected people in our game,” tweeted Dawn Staley, head coach of South Carolina. “Whatever she chooses next, she’ll crush it. And Notre Dame will forever be better because of her.”
What’s Next?
The next step in Niele Ivey’s journey remains unknown—but that mystery only adds intrigue to her future. Will she return to the NBA? Could she launch a broadcasting career? Might she even write a book or take time to travel and recharge? Whatever path she chooses, it’s clear she’ll do so on her own terms.
For now, Ivey is stepping away to reflect, recharge, and—perhaps for the first time in years—exhale.
“My hope is that I’ve left this program in a better place,” she wrote in her parting note. “I will always be a daughter of Notre Dame. That will never change.”
Final Thoughts
Niele Ivey’s departure marks the end of an era in Notre Dame women’s basketball, but it also opens the door to a future shaped by the foundation she built. In five intense, inspiring years, she gave all of herself to the Irish—and they are infinitely better for it.
Though she leaves the bench, her influence will echo in every dribble, every huddle, every roar from Purcell Pavilion. And somewhere down the line, perhaps not too far from now, we’ll hear from Niele Ivey again. Whether it’s courtside or center stage, the game will call her back.