We end our series that celebrates the leaders and mentors who have made women's college basketball a success with 2023 ACC coach of the year, Niele Ivey, someone who shines brightly for her unparalleled leadership and mentoring prowess.
Originally an All-American point guard at Notre Dame, Ivey returned to South Bend, Indiana as an assistant coach under Muffet McGraw, where she played a significant role in the team's success. During her tenure as an assistant coach, Notre Dame consistently competed at the highest levels of women's college basketball, reaching multiple Final Fours and winning the national championship in 2018.
In 2020, Ivey made history by becoming the head coach of the Notre Dame women's basketball team, succeeding her mentor and former coach Muffet McGraw. She became the ninth head coach in program history and the first Black head coach in the program's history.
As head coach, Ivey continued Notre Dame's tradition of excellence while also bringing her own vision and style to the program. She aimed to uphold the program's high standards while also fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for her players.
In just two years as head coach, Ivey brought the Fighting Irish back to the national stage in one of the country’s biggest turnarounds. She led Notre Dame to a 24-9 overall record, a third-place finish in the ACC (after being projected for sixth), a top-20 national ranking, and a Sweet 16 appearance after being named a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Her former mentor Coach McGraw has this to say,
"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."
In historically underserved communities, young girls face a significant opportunity gap due to complex social, economic, and educational challenges, creating formidable barriers to their success. With this in mind, 318 Foundation was founded.
Of our three programs, 318 SPORTS is dedicated to empowering exceptionally talented athletes who may lack exposure or the necessary support to unlock their full potential. Our mission is to create transformative elite training experiences that not only enhance their athletic abilities but also focus on personal growth and empowerment.
It is our goal to have girls from historically underserved communities have the access and opportunity to find coaches and mentors like Niele Ivey to help them grow and develop into the best version of themselves.
Taking inspiration, we aim to help guide the next generation. Join us in the journey towards excellence with 318 SPORTS.
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