NIELE IVEY

BASKETBALL

Position: Coach
Born: September 24, 1977; St. Louis, Missouri
Coached For: Xavier University (Asst.) (2005-2007), Notre Dame (Asst.) (2007-2019), Memphis Grizzlies (2019-2020), Notre Dame (Head Coach)(2020-Present)
Played For: Notre Dame (1997-2001), Indiana Fever ((2001-2004), Phoenix Mercury (2005), Detroit Shock (2005)

By Steve Porter

Niele Ivey has cherished major achievements on the basketball court in two ways – as a player and then as a coach. And it’s difficult to separate the two because the St. Louis native has been equally efficient in both.

The highly acclaimed University of Notre Dame women’s basketball coach launched her success story playing her favorite game in St. Louis. She’s a graduate of Cor Jesu Academy and proud of it. That’s where the youngest of five children – and the only daughter — began honing for life’s lessons and basketball skills. During her junior season, she averaged 18 points per game for a 31-0 Cor Jesu team that won the Class 4A state title in 1995.

Ivey learned plenty from her four brothers and was shooting three-pointers by the time she was in the fourth grade. She also started to develop her philosophy of basketball that she instills in others today.

“I take my job as a mentor and role model very seriously,” said Ivey, who has put together an 89-32 record in four seasons at UND, where she was also a standout player. “I work hard to ensure that every workout and any advice I give is meaningful.”

Muffett McGraw, her former coach at Notre Dame, said Ivey has the capability to accomplish her goals in an extraordinary way, “What sets Niele apart is her ability to connect with all generations, including alums, her current team and future student-athletes,” she said.

McGraw should know. Ivey played for her as a stylish point guard from 1997-2001and also served as an assistant coach for the Irish before becoming their head coach four years ago. “She’s a fantastic role model and a leader in the women’s empowerment movement,” McGraw said.

Ivey celebrated NCAA championships with UND as a player in 2001 and as an assistant coach in 2018. She has made nine Final Four appearances, seven as an assistant coach and two as player. While Ivey served an assistant coach, the Irish compiled a 386-75 record.

As a player, Ivey received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award in 2001, and was a first-team All-Big East selection and third-team All-America player that season. She scored 1,430 points in her collegiate career.

Following her collegiate career, Ivey played for the WNBA Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock before joining Xavier in Cincinnati as an assistant coach in 2005. Ivey was a second-round selection – and 19th overall choice — of the Indiana Fever in 2001.

She joined the UND staff in 2007 and never left South Bend, Ind., except for one season – 2019-20 – when she worked as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. Her son, Jaden, plays pro ball for the Detroit Pistons.

As a Notre Dame assistant coach, Ivey was chosen the inaugural recipient of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2016.

Since becoming the Irish’s head coach, Ivey has guided them to an Atlantic Coast Conference tournament title and three consecutive trips to the Sweet 16. UND finished 28-7 the past season. The previous year, the Irish captured their first ACC title since 2019.

Ivey is regarded as a player’s coach and it’s easy to see why.  “I want them to have the same experience I had to develop invaluable skills on the court and in the classroom,” she said.