Niele Ivey – The Trailblazing Coach Leading Notre Dame Women’s Basketball to New Heights in 2024
Ivey's transition to coaching was a natural one, as she always had a passion for developing talent. Her coaching career started as an assistant at Notre Dame before she moved on to the Memphis Grizzlies, where she worked with NBA players. In April 2020, Ivey was named head coach of Notre Dame's women’s basketball team, becoming a trailblazer for Black women in the coaching world. Under her leadership, the team has seen significant success, including winning their first regular season ACC title in 2024. Niele Ivey is the head coach of the Notre Dame women's basketball team, making history as the first Black woman to hold this role at the university. Before coaching, Ivey had a successful career as a WNBA player, playing for the Indiana Fever, Detroit Shock, and Phoenix Mercury. She played a key role in Notre Dame's 2001 NCAA Championship win as a player and has since excelled as a coach, leading Notre Dame to several successful seasons. Ivey's coaching style is centered around player development and building strong team relationships. She is married, has a son who plays basketball at Purdue, and is active on social media, where she shares insights into her life and career. Niele Ivey - From WNBA Star to College Basketball Coach Niele Ivey's basketball journey began long before she became the head coach at Notre Dame. Born on September 24, 1977, Ivey was an exceptional player even during her college years. She played for the University of Notre Dame, where she became an All-American point guard and helped lead the team to its first NCAA Championship in 2001. After college, she went on to have a successful career in the WNBA, playing for teams like the Indiana Fever, Detroit Shock, and Phoenix Mercury.
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