Notre Dame Women's Basketball Update: Head Coach Niele Ivey Extends Warm Welcomes to Alumni Return
Rewritten Article:
When the WNBA announced Notre Dame would play host to the preseason games, long-time Fighting Irish coach Niele Ivey got a unique opportunity to reconnect with some of her star players.
During the game between Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces, Ivey had a heartfelt moment with two of her former players, Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd. The trio shared a warm embrace, with Ivey visibly showing her gratitude. Arike Ogunbowale, a Notre Dame alum who didn't play under Ivey, was also present.
The remarkable trio—Young, Loyd, and Ogunbowale—all have impressive legacies with the program, having won the National Championship at Notre Dame. Young, currently a part of the Aces, boasts a WNBA title; Loyd, on the other hand, is yet to secure her first championship.
Notre Dame women's basketball has a rich talent pool in the WNBA, with players like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Marina Mabrey, and Kayla McBride all carving out their own success. Although they played under Muffet McGraw, not Ivey, the tradition remains strong.
Niele Ivey honors Notre Dame hoops legends
Young, Loyd, and Ogunbowale have carved out exceptional careers with the Fighting Irish, and that championship victory isn't an easy feat.
Although Ivey hasn't yet replicated their success, she's already made her mark. With players like Hannah Hildalgo and Olivia Miles in her roster, she's shown an impressive ability to attract top talent.
Despite facing a setback during the COVID-19 season (2020) with a 10-10 record, the Fighting Irish have consistently won more than 24 games in every season except one.
New Additions to WNBA Rosters
- Memphis Tigers' signature find: A 13.2-PPG scorer in the transfer portal
- NC State basketball bolsters frontcourt with a transfer big man
- Former sharpshooters Texas A&M-bound
- UCLA boosts roster with a high-profile transfer
Still, the Fighting Irish have reached the national semifinals but haven't managed to break through the barrier yet. McGraw, who it took ten seasons to reach the Final Four, is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in women's college basketball history.
Could Ivey match McGraw's feat? It's uncertain. However, Ivey showcases a strong coaching ability, a keen eye for talent, and a knack for connecting with her players. These attributes are key reasons why players opt to join Notre Dame.
By honoring her predecessors, Ivey demonstrates her respect for the university, as well as her desire to see future players flourish and succeed in their own right. This dedication to the Notre Dame basketball legacy solidifies her commitment to the program and its players.
Ivey's heartfelt moment with Young and Loyd, two former Notre Dame stars, highlights her continual connection with the Fighting Irish's basketball legends. While Ivey hasn't yet won a WNBA championship like Young or secured her first like Loyd, she has demonstrated an impressive ability to attract top talent, such as Hannah Hildalgo and Olivia Miles, to the team. Despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 season setback, the Fighting Irish have consistently excelled, with the national semifinals being a testament to their potential. Ivey's dedication to honoring her predecessors and building upon the Notre Dame basketball legacy further solidifies her commitment to the program and its future players.
