On Monday, when the Notre Dame women’s basketball team takes the floor against the Duke Blue Devils, they’ll have a new title — the best in the country.
For the first time since 2019, the Fighting Irish are ranked No. 1 in the AP Top-25 women’s college basketball poll. Much of their success this season can be attributed to unreal effort on both sides of the ball and a boost from the best backcourt duo in the country, Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles.
It’s also because of the leadership and guidance from head coach Niele Ivey. If you’re wondering who she is and what you need to know about the team’s foremost authority, we’ve got you covered.
Here are more facts about Niele Ivey, including her ties to the WNBA.
1. Niele Ivey has deep basketball roots, including history with the WNBA
Indiana Fever point guard Niele Ivey poses with a 2-year-old Jaden in their home in 2004. Matt Detrich/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Like many head coaches, Niele Ivey has a profound basketball foundation.
She spent five seasons at Notre Dame before being drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2001. As a pro, Ivey played for the Fever, Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock before returning to the college ranks to work. Her resumé there includes over 12 years as an assistant and associate coach on the Notre Dame staff.
After time at the collegiate level, she worked as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies before becoming the Fighting Irish’s head coach in 2020. But her hoops connections don’t stop there. Ivey also has a son, Jaden Ivey, who plays for the Detroit Pistons.
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2. Niele Ivey is one of college basketball’s most stylish coaches
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Niele Ivey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on from the sidelines during the game against the USC Trojans at Galen Center on November 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
It’s hard to miss Niele Ivey on the sidelines. She’s usually dressed in a phenomenal suit, a lovely dress or a head-turning monochrome look.
Here are a few photos of her fabulous style:
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 06: Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey reacts during the Aflac Oui Play match between South Carolina and Notre Dame at Halle Georges Carpentier on November 06, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 06: Head coach Niele Ivey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on February 06, 2025 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – DECEMBER 05: Head coach Niele Ivey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on December 05, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
3. Niele Ivey’s coaching has Notre Dame as the No.1 ranked team in women’s basketball
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 06: Olivia Miles #5, Hannah Hidalgo #3 and Sonia Citron #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish look on against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on February 06, 2025 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Notre Dame has been a force on both sides of the ball all season long under Niele Ivey.
The Fighting Irish have multiple wins against ranked teams, including huge victories over USC, Texas and UConn. Per Fox Sports, they also have a top-15 field goal percentage defense, holding opposing teams to just 35.7 percent shooting on average and a top-20 three-point defense.
For the first time since 2019, Ivey’s squad holds a No.1 ranking in the AP poll.
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